Atalanta vs Real Madrid summary: score, goals, stats and highlights | Champions League 2024/25
Atalanta vs Real Madrid: as it happened
Thanks for reading!
We're going to wrap up this live feed, after an immensely enjoyable evening of Champions League soccer.
Real Madrid, who now visit Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga on Saturday, have put themselves back in the box seat for a top-24 spot by ending Atalanta's long unbeaten run. Automatic last-16 qualification still seems a long way off, though.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have slipped out of the top eight, but remain as good as certain to at least make the playoff round. In Serie A, Gian Piero Gasperini's league leaders now go to Cagliari at the weekend.
Thanks for joining - bye!
Ancelotti on Mbappé injury: "We'll have to see"
Speaking to Spanish TV broadcaster Movistar, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said Kylian Mbappé has hurt his hamstring - but said the injury "doesn't seem to be anything serious".
“He felt a strain, a problem in his hamstring," Ancelotti said. "We’ll have to see. It doesn’t seem to be anything serous. He had started the game well. We’ll have to see tomorrow. He couldn’t sprint, so we preferred to take him off.”
Ancelotti also praised Madrid's display in Italy, telling Movistar: “We dug in, fought hard, played well, competed. We played with really fluid movement up top. The game went well. You have to dig in, because it’s not easy to get a result here.”
Today's UCL results in full
12:45 p.m. ET kick-offs:
Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 Celtic
Girona 0-1 Liverpool
3:00 p.m. ET kick-offs:
Atalanta 2-3 Real Madrid
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Inter Milan
Brest 1-0 PSV
Club Brugge 2-1 Sporting CP
RB Leipzig 2-3 Aston Villa
RB Salzburg 0-3 PSG
Shakhtar 1-5 Bayern
Atalanta drop to ninth
The Italians, who have suffered their first defeat of the season in the Champions League, have now slipped to just outside of the top eight.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| 9 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 10 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 11 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Mbappé scores stunner - then forced off
Clearly, the major black mark on the night for Madrid is the injury to Mbappé.
The Frenchman, who has attracted such heavy criticism for his displays in his maiden season in Spain, had scored a sublime solo goal to bring up his half century of Champions League strikes. However, he limped off 10 minutes before half time, having apparently twanged a muscle.
We'll have to wait and see what the extend of that injury is.
It's the latest injury concern for Madrid, who are already without Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militao and David Alaba.
Madrid move away from bottom 12
It's Madrid's first away win of the Champions League campaign, and it snaps a two-game losing run in Europe's top club competition.
Ahead of Wednesday's league-phase matches, Los Blancos have risen to a comparatively healthy 18th in the standings, seven places above the cut-off point in 25th.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 17 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 18 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 19 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 20 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Peeep peeep peeep! Real Madrid have become the first team to beat Atalanta since September, and in the process have got their Champions League campaign back on track.
In what was a thoroughly enjoyable game in Bergamo, Madrid's quickfire double early in the second half has, in the end, proved the difference. The holders move onto nine points - a total which, per UEFA projections, ought to be enough for a top-24 place.
One last attack for Atalanta... and Retegui should score!
It's worked to the left to Lookman. In keeping with much of the super attacking play he's shown tonight, he opens Madrid up with a fine piece of play. Carving himself out a couple of yards to cross, he fizzes the ball across goal - where Retegui is waiting. It comes at the striker at pace, to be fair to him, but he should still do better than sky it high into the stands.
The home fans howl in frustration.
Marciniak books Kossounou after the substitute has a minor off-the-ball disagreement with Vázquez. The Madrid man is also cautioned, and that means he'll miss Los Blancos' next Champions League game.
If Madrid can hold on for another three minutes, they'll bring an end to Atalanta's 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions. The hosts haven't lost since September.
There will be four minutes of time added on at Gewiss Stadium.
Atalanta continue to pin Madrid back, before Vázquez does very well to earn the visitors a free-kick.
On the left, Zaniolo tries to burst past Vázquez and into crossing space. The Madrid defender steps in front of his opponent, before tumbling to the turf, prompting Szymon Marciniak to blow his whistle. Manna from heaven for Madrid.
Both teams make another substitution.
For Madrid, Bellingham is off for Arda Güler. For Atalanta, Zaniolo replaces Ruggeri.
Retegui receives in the box, but is taken quite far wide. Never mind, though: he gets a left-footed strike away from an acute angle. Courtois has his near post well covered, however, and parries.
Madrid make a double substitution. Ceballos is off for Modric, while Brahim is replaced by Asencio.
Asencio looks like he's slotting in at right-back, with Vázquez stepping up to the right side of the midfield.
Madrid are slightly starting to push their luck here. Atalanta create another shooting chance, Samardzic feeding it low into Ruggeri just inside the away team's box.
Ruggeri makes a bit of a hash of it, fortunately for Madrid. He's got space to pick his spot, but blazes it high and wide! Samardzic holds his head in his hands in frustration.
De Roon touches the free-kick to Samardzic, who tries to pass a low effort into Courtois' left-hand corner, but fails. The Belgian is down to grab hold with relative ease.
Atalanta come again in search of that leveller. Some 10 yards outside of the Madrid box, Éderson twists away from Valverde and Rodrygo, before finally buying a foul off the Uruguayan.
It'll be a free-kick to the hosts in a prime shooting area...
Now Samardzic shoots from 25 yards or so out for Atalanta, but can't get enough on his strike. It flies low, and comfortably enough, into Courtois' arms.
Gasperini looks to be preparing another change.
Retegui makes an immediate impression. Atalanta clear a Real Madrid corner, feeding it to the Italy forward to run into space in the visitors' half.
He slips the ball inside to Kolasinac, who has hared forward in support. The defender is well placed to shoot, but dallies - and the chance is lost.
Just under quarter of an hour to go at Gewiss Stadium, where Madrid are edging towards a priceless, precious three points.
Atalanta make a triple substitution. De Ketelaere, Bellanova and Djimsiti are off for Retegui, Zappacosta and Kossounou.
Star trio all on target for Real
This is the first time that Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior have all scored for Real Madrid in the same game.
Again Real Madrid create a clear shooting chance. Advancing into the Atalanta box, Rodrygo cuts onto his right boot, with a clear sight of goal. You know what he's going to do next - but his shot towards the far corner is underhit and not directed well enough. Carnesecchi gets down to gather it.
It's really not all that easy to keep up with this game.
On the left, Vinícius lifts a ball into the middle, where Carnesecchi palms it right to Brahim on the penalty spot. Brahim can't quite get over the ball, though, and volleys well over.
This really has been a terrific match. And there's a quarter of the 90 still to go.
Just when Real Madrid looked like they had tamed the hosts with that Vini-Bellingham double whammy, it's game on once more.
Goal! Atalanta 2-3 Real Madrid - Lookman thumps the hosts back into it!
Lookman has been causing Madrid migraines all night, and he has the goal his tenacity and invention deserve.
Collecting the ball in the left-hand channel, just outside of the Madrid box, Lookman drifts inside and wraps his right boot around a powerful low shot. It fizzes into the net, beating Courtois' dive to find the near corner.
How can Atalanta respond to that quickfire Madrid double?
Well...
Bellingham is really in the mood now. Carrying the ball forward, he drops a shoulder and burns into the left-hand side of the box, before twisting and turning in search of a yard to shoot. He's dispossessed this time, though.
Goal! Atalanta 1-3 Real Madrid - in the blink of an eye, its three!
Madrid may not have been in control at the start of this half, but they certainly are now. Just a couple of minutes after that Vinícius strike, Bellingham blasts Madrid into a two-goal lead.
Receiving on the right-hand corner of the box, the Englishman shifts the ball onto his left and utterly boshes it past Carnesecchi and into the far corner! It's a fine goal, and it ends Bellingham's year-long drought in the Champions League.
Atalanta respond to that Real Madrid goal by replacing Pasalic with Samardzic.
Goal! Atalanta 1-2 Real Madrid - Vinícius restores the visitors' lead!
It's a moment of luck for Madrid, to be honest. But, having lost control of this game since the midway point of the first half, it's exactly what the doctor ordered for the holders.
Just outside the Atalanta box, Brahim tries to surge into a shooting area. He's tackled, but the ball then ricochets off Éderson and flies right to Vinícius in space just inside the box. The Brazilian quickly connects with a hooked, low shot that finds the bottom corner!
Back come Atalanta, working it to Lookman in the left-hand channel. He sets off towards the Madrid box and lets fly - but Courtois beat out Lookman's low shot! It was hit with quite some power.
As in the second half of the first half, Madrid have been slightly struggling to hold on to possession. This, though, is a bit better.
Brahim brings the ball out, bustling forward and feeding Rodrygo, who can't find the Moroccan with a return pass.
A moment later, Vinícius tries to barrel his way into the Atalanta box, but succeeds only in tumbling to the turf and losing it.
From the left, Ruggeri whips over a lovely cross onto the head of De Ketelaere. The forward connects with the delivery, but can't keep his effort down. Courtois watches the ball fly high and wide.
My colleague Will Gittins has put together a full report on that Mbappé injury - the latest to impact the Madrid squad this season.
Bellingham chases a long ball towards the Atalanta penalty area, but is beaten to the ball by Éderson.
The midfielder makes the most of a slight shove by Bellingham, falling to the turf to win the home team a free-kick.
Peeeep! We're back underway in Bergamo.
All the UCL scores around the grounds
Here are all the half-time scores in the Champions League's 3:00 pm ET kick-offs:
I shared this article pre-match, but in case you missed it, here's some half-time reading: my colleague Roddy Cons takes a look at exactly how many points teams are likely to need for a top-eight and top-24 finish.
Atalanta's UCL position as things stand
Meanwhile, Atalanta will move to 12 points if things stay this way at Gewiss Stadium.
Gian Piero Gasperini's men will remain winless at home in the Champions League this season, but will be sitting in a fine position inside the top eight.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 7 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| 8 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Real Madrid's UCL position as things stand
Before conceding that equaliser, Real Madrid were heading towards the much healthier total of nine points - a haul which, according to UEFA projections, would put Los Blancos on course to secure a top-24 spot.
Now, though, the defending champions are on pace to finish the night on seven points, and will remain far too close for comfort to the bottom 12.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 22 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 23 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 24 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 25 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Well, Real Madrid will be cursing themselves in the dressing room - they were so close to making it to the break with a lead.
That said, Los Blancos were a little too happy to sit back after taking the lead through that Kylian Mbappé wonder goal. It reminded me a bit of what England have done in numerous big games down the years.
Peeep peeep peeep! That penalty is the last action of the half. All square it is.
Goal! Atalanta 1-1 Real Madrid - De Ketelaere equalises!
The Atalanta forward absolutely belts it home. His spot-kick flies into the top corner, giving Courtois no chance.
Penalty to Atalanta!
Just as the half is almost over, Real Madrid give the hosts a chance to level! Kolasinac bursts into the box - and when he tumbles under Tchouaméni's challenge, Szymon Marciniak points to the spot!
There'll be one minute of time added on.
Mbappé level with Henry
Spanish soccer stats guru Mister Chip notes that Mbappé has drawn level with Thierry Henry's Champions League goal haul, and now only has one Frenchman ahead of him: Real Madrid great Karim Benzema, who has 90.
Madrid keep it for a short while just inside the Atalanta half, before Brahim tries to burst past Kolasinac and into the hosts' penalty box. The defender wins that tussle.
Madrid very nearly respond that Mbappé injury blow by doubling their lead.
At the back post, Bellingham volleys a high ball back across goal to Rüdiger, who gets his boot to the ball. He can't direct it goalwards, however.
Still, it was about time Madrid got themselves forward once more. I get that the onus is on Atalanta now, but Madrid really seen very little of the ball in the past 15 minutes or so.
"Damn muscle injuries"
Tomás Roncero, AS journalist and No. 1 Real Madrid fan, has this reaction to that Mbappé injury, which appears to be some sort of muscle tweak.
“Damn muscle injures. Now Kylian Mbappé. My God, please let it be nothing serious. We need you, Kylian.”
Mbappé is off, Rodrygo is on.
It's not totally clear to me what's wrong with the Frenchman.
Pasalic tries to thread a ball into the Madrid box, where Djimsiti has made a burst forward into space. Rüdiger cuts it out.
Oh, and it looks like Mbappé can't continue. He drops to the turf and Rodrygo Goes is preparing to come on.
Lookman is, without a shadow of a doubt, the hosts' danger man. Cutting in from the left, he aims a dipping shot at Courtois' far top corner - but doesn't get quite the right direction on his effort. It flashes a couple of yards past the upright.
As I suppose might be expected, given they're the team that needs a goal, Atalanta are dominating the ball right now.
The hosts feed it out to the right to Bellanova, who sends a first-time delivery into the middle. He can't find anyone in a black and blue shirt, though.
Atalanta pin Madrid back, albeit without particularly troubling the visitors. De Roon scoops a ball out to the right to De Ketelaere, who can't find his way past García.
Lookman is then penalised for barging over Vázquez, and Madrid can clear. Lookman makes plain to Mr Marciniak that he is not in agreement with that decision.
Guglielmo Mangiapane / REUTERS
Mbappé magic
Kylian Mbappé wheels away in celebration after opening the scoring with a fine individual goal.
From the right, Bellanova drifts over a cross towards Lookman at the back post. It's just too high for the Nigeria international.
Mbappé behind only Messi
According to soccer stats specialists Opta, Mbappé is the second-youngest player in Champions League history to bring up a half century of goals in the competition.
Midway point of the first half. It's been fun.
Vinícius spins on sixpence in the center circle, before scampering forwards toward goal. He plays it to Mbappé and tries to collect the return, but is beaten to it.
At the other end, Lookman again gives Madrid's defenders a headache and a half. He's so dangerous.
From the left, he fizzes another low ball into the box for De Ketelare, who this time does get a connection. He can't get enough of a connection, however, and Courtois gathers with ease.
And again we have an attacking opening. I'd be amazed if this finishes 1-0.
Lookman zips down the left wing before pinging a low ball into the middle, where De Ketelare is waiting. It's one of those lovely balls threaded right down the middle of the corridor of uncertainty, but Rüdiger is alive to the danger: he gets there before De Ketelare to boot clear.
It's been an excellent game thus far. Exceedingly watchable stuff.
Well, well, well. In a matter of 90 seconds, it could have been 1-1 or 2-0.
At one end, Atalanta work it into the box to Lookman, who doesn't need a second invitation to get the ball out of his feet and shoot. Rüdiger does ever so well to throw himself in front of the strike, though.
Having survived that moment, Madrid suddenly get Mbappé streaking clear of the Atalanta defence, and in on Carnesecchi.
The goalkeeper beats out Mbappé's shot, though!
Mbappé's UCL half century
That goal, incidentally, was Mbappé's 50th in his Champions League career.
Goal! Atalanta 0-1 Real Madrid - Mbappé opens the scoring!
Well, that's certainly one way to silence those critics. Having already scored against Girona at the weekend, Mbappé is on the scoresheet once more - and it's a fine goal.
Receiving a square ball from Brahim at the top of the box, Mbappé conjures up a first touch, allied with a drop of the shoulder, that takes De Roon out in one fell swoop. The Frenchman advances into the box and finishes low past Carnesecchi.
Real Madrid lead in Bergamo!
It's been an open game so far. Having survived that pair of Valverde shots, Atalanta scamper forward in search of a shot of their own.
Lookman bustles into the box from the left wing, but can't create an opening. Finally, the hosts work it right to Bellanova, whose path to goal is blocked by Bellingham.
The corner is cleared only as far as Valverde, who's waiting for the loose ball just outside of the area.
The Uruguayan connects with a firm enough first-time strike, but he directs it comfortably wide.
Now then, here's a free-kick chance for Madrid. Brahim is tripped just outside of the box, and Valverde will strike.
Strike he does... but his shot bounces off an Atalanta head in the wall, and flies behind for a corner.
There's the first shooting chance for Atalanta. Lookman, the hosts' match winner against Milan, connects with a volley from just inside the Real Madrid box - but scuffs it rather. His effort trundles through to Courtois.
Ah, hold on. Replays suggest Mbappé was offside when he received Brahim's ball, so that shot wouldn't have stood if it had gone in.
It's Real Madrid ball in the opening couple of minutes - and the visitors create a chance right away!
Brahim spins ever so neatly on the halfway line, bustling forward before feeding Mbappé, who has dropped deep to receive. The Frenchman plays back out it wide to the right to Brahim, before running in behind to collect a pinpoint through ball.
Mbappé controls with his first touch before shooting with his second, but Carnessechi parries!
Peeeep! We're underway!
Last look at the line-ups
Out come the teams! Ancelotti and Gasperini are seen deep in conversation as they make their way to their respective benches.
Here's a final reminder of the two line-ups:
Atalanta
Carnesecchi, Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac, Bellanova, De Roon, Éderson, Ruggeri, Pasalic, De Ketelaere, Lookman.
Real Madrid
Courtois, Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, García, Ceballos, Valverde, Brahim, Bellingham, Vinícius, Mbappé.
Almost time to go in Bergamo!
We're just a couple of minutes away from kick-off at Gewiss Stadium, where the teams are about to emerge from the tunnel.
It's all over in Girona, by the way: Mo Salah's penalty was the only goal of the game, so Liverpool have now won six out of six in the Champions League this season. The Reds remain top of the table and are now on the verge of a last-16 spot.
Claudia Greco / REUTERS
Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappé (left) and Vinícius Júnior warm up ahead of kick-off at Gewiss Stadium.
How many points will Real Madrid need to qualify?
According to UEFA projections, eight points should be enough to finish in the top 24: so, despite their precarious position, a win today should, in theory, be enough for Real Madrid to ease any fears over an early exit
However, it seems unlikely that Madrid will make the top eight. It appears that 16 points is going to be the cut-off point for an automatic place in the last 16. Atalanta, who presently have 11, find themselves in a very good position to exceed that total.
If, at this late stage, you still be wondering where you can tune in to Atalanta vs Real Madrid on TV or online, let me point you in the direction of our guide on how to watch.
Poland's Szymon Marciniak, who was the match referee for the 2023 Champions League final, will be in charge of proceedings in Bergamo today.
My colleague Paul Reidy has put together a short profile of Marciniak.
What the coaches said: Gian Piero Gasperini
Favorites against Madrid?
“No team is ever favorite to beat Madrid. We only know that this is a really important game […]. We can’t let our heads be turned by those kinds of comments. We’ve got to keep in mind that they’re a top team.”
Odd seeing Atalanta above Madrid in table:
“It’s true, but the standings are temporary. We’re pleased to be high up the table, but we’d be a bit foolish to say that Atalanta are better than Madrid.”
Ademola Lookman's development:
“What I find satisfying about Ademola is that he’s always been a really good player, but now he’s also an out-and-out team player. Before, it’s not that he didn’t have the ability; it was that he was more individualistic. Now he’s dedicated to the team. He attacks, he defends, he does the lot.”
What are the betting odds for Atalanta vs Real Madrid?
According to Oddschecker, Atlanta head into today’s clash with money line odds of victory that lie between +155 and +160. That’s just ahead of Real Madrid’s +160 to +170. A draw is valued at +250 to +260.
Speaking to the media yesterday, though, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was - unsurprisingly - not keen to embrace his team's 'favorites' tag...
Can Atalanta get Super Cup revenge?
Tonight's clash in Bergamo comes less than half a season after Real Madrid and Atalanta faced off in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw.
That night in August, Madrid were 2-0 winners, thanks to goals by Fede Valverde and debutant Kylian Mbappé.
Fast forward four months, and Atalanta are actually the slight favorites for victory over Los Merengues...
What the coaches said: Carlo Ancelotti
Atalanta:
“They’re a top team - a club that is unbelievably well run. Despite losing a lot of players each summer, they always roll with the punches. That says so much about them.”
Confidence:
“I have complete faith in my team, in my players. We’ve improved and are now on a good run. Tomorrow’s game may be the toughest we have between now and the end of the year.”
What has changed with Bellingham?
“Not that much. What has changed is the dynamic within the team: we now have greater fluidity of movement up front, and he’s taking advantage of that. He’s scoring goals - and, of course, that’s important. But his attitude hasn’t changed.”
Can Bellingham break UCL barren spell?
Despite coming off with an apparent leg injury during Madrid’s weekend win over Girona, Jude Bellingham starts once more tonight - and will look to continue his fine recent scoring form.
Bellingham has netted in his last five LaLiga games for Madrid, having not opened his top-flight account for this term until November.
Now, Los Blancos need the Englishman to bring it in front of goal in the Champions League, too. He hasn’t scored in his last 12 Champions League games, a barren run that stretches back to 4-2 home triumph over Napoli in November 2023, in last season’s group stage.
Madrid check in at Gewiss
Here, courtesy of Real Madrid's social-media team, is Los Blancos' arrival at Gewiss Stadium a short while ago.
Atalanta’s last five results - at a glance
Dec 6: Atalanta 2-1 AC Milan (Serie A)
Dec 2: Roma 0-2 Atalanta (Serie A)
Nov 26: Young Boys 1-6 Atalanta (UCL)
Nov 23: Parma 1-3 Atalanta (Serie A)
Nov 10: Atalanta 2-1 Udinese (Serie A)
Atalanta on growing winning run
Like Real Madrid, Atalanta head into matchday six on the back of a win in the league.
Indeed, the hosts have now won nine in a row both in Serie A and in all competitions. What's more, they're unbeaten in 14 in all matches. Atalanta haven’t lost since a 3-2 home Serie A defeat to Como in September.
The latest of Atalanta’s growing sequence of wins on the spin came at home to Milan on Friday, a 2-1 triumph that was earned thanks to a late goal by Ademola Lookman.
Over in Girona, by the way, Liverpool have taken the lead. Mo Salah has slotted in a penalty to put the Reds in pole position for a sixth win in six games in this season's Champions League.
Atalanta's confirmed line-up
Atalanta have now named their starting XI. It is: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Éderson, Ruggeri, Pasalic, De Ketelaere, Lookman.
The hosts are unchanged from the team that beat AC Milan in Serie A at the weekend.
(Sidenote: I'm proposing immediate Champions League expulsion for all clubs that make you sit through one of these pesky social-media videos to find out what their team is.)
Atalanta unbeaten at home - but also winless
That said, it's worth noting that Atalanta are winless at home in this season’s Champions League, and haven’t even scored a goal.
The Italians have played out two 0-0 draws in Bergamo, both against British opposition: against Arsenal in September, and against Celtic in October.
Away from home, it’s been a very different story. Atalanta have scored 11 goals in three games, earning wins over Shakhtar Donetsk, VfB Stuttgart and Young Boys.
Atalanta all set to advance
While Real Madrid have backed themselves into something of a tight spot in the Champions League, Atalanta are sitting really rather pretty as things stand.
Fifth in the league phase standings, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men are in a prime position to claim one of the eight automatic berths in the round of 16. Indeed, the Bergamese are beaten in the Champions League this season.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| 6 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 7 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Claudia Greco / REUTERS
Real Madrid fans inside Gewiss Stadium ahead of kick-off.
Real Madrid’s last five results - at a glance
Dec 7: Girona 0-3 Real Madrid (LaLiga)
Dec 4: Athletic 2-1 Real Madrid (LaLiga)
Dec 1: Real Madrid 2-0 Getafe (LaLiga)
Nov 27: Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid (UCL)
Nov 24: Leganés 0-3 Real Madrid (LaLiga)
JAVIER GANDUL / DIARIO AS
What's Madrid's LaLiga form like?
While Real Madrid’s Champions League form has been dodgy in the extreme, their recent LaLiga results have been decent enough.
Ancelotti’s men have won four of their last five in the Spanish top-flight, with their one blip a narrow defeat away to an Athletic Club side who are having an excellent season.
Most recently, Madrid eased to a 3-0 win away at Girona at the weekend, thanks to goals by Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler and the much-criticised Kylian Mbappé.
As things stand, the Spanish and European champions sit second in LaLiga, two points behind Barcelona - and with a game in hand.
incidentally, on the subject of Alexis Mac Allister, my AS colleague Simón Escudero spoke to the Liverpool midfielder ahead of today's game in Girona.
Can Madrid end run of away UCL losses?
Liverpool, of course, were Real Madrid’s most recent opponents in the Champions League.
Madrid's 2-0 defeat at Anfield late last month - courtesy of goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo - was Los Blancos' second in two away games so far in the league phase.
In October, the 15-time European champions fell to surprise 1-0 reverse away to Ligue 1 team Lille.
By my count - though I must confess I'm quite bad at stats - Madrid haven't lost three straight away games in the Champions League since 2001.
By the way, today's early Champions League kick-offs include Liverpool's trip to Catalonia to face Girona.
The Reds, who headed into matchday six sitting top of the league-phase standings, are being held at Montilivi as things stand. It's just gone half time, with the score still 0-0.
You can follow live-text commentary of that clash with AS USA.
Real Madrid's confirmed starting line-up
Madrid have already announced their team in Bergamo, where the big news is that Vinícius Júnior is indeed fit to return to the line-up.
Carlo Ancelotti has also brought Fran García in for the injured Ferland Mendy at left-back, while Dani Ceballos comes in for Luka Modric in midfield. Arda Güler is the man who makes way for the returning Vinícius.
Real Madrid's line-up:
Have the UCL holders ever gone out in first round?
Yes, but just the once.
In 2012/13, Chelsea earned that unwanted honor when they were exited the old group stage, just seven months after beating Bayern in Munich to lift their first ever European title. The Blues were pipped to second spot in Group E by Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk, despite closing out the round-robin stage by walloping FC Nordsjælland 6-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Where are Real Madrid in the UCL standings?
After successive Champions League defeats - at home to AC Milan and away to Liverpool - Madrid head into matchday six all the way down in 24th place. Should they find themselves a single spot lower after eight games, they will be eliminated.
A reminder that only the top eight finishers in the league phase qualify automatically for the last 16, while the teams in ninth to 24h go into a playoff for one of the eight remaining berths in the knockout stage proper.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 23 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 24 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 25 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 26 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Atalanta vs Real Madrid: welcome, bienvenido, benvenuto
Hello! Real Madrid face the crunchiest of crunch clashes tonight in Bergamo, where Carlo Ancelotti’s men visit Atalanta, the current Serie A leaders.
After a less than flawless first five games in this season’s Champions League, Madrid really are in something of a spot of bother - the holders find themselves languishing in the lower reaches of the league-phase standings, and in some danger of exiting the tournament at the first hurdle.
Madrid may have beaten Atalanta just under four months ago, but the bookmakers actually have the Spaniards as marginal underdogs today. After all, they’e up against a team that is not only top of the Italian league, but is miles ahead of them in the Champions League table.
Kick-off at Gewiss Stadium is at 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT. I’ll have team news for you as soon as it’s in.