Will Jude Bellingham play for Real Madrid against Atalanta in the Champions League today?

In-form midfielder Jude Bellingham is set to start Real Madrid’s crunch Champions League match-up with Atalanta today, despite exiting Los Blancos’ weekend win over Girona with an apparent leg injury.

Bellingham “100% fit” despite Girona withdrawal

Bellingham had to be substituted after an hour of Saturday’s 3-0 LaLiga victory at Montilivi, but Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti was quick to calm fears over the Englishman’s fitness, telling reporters post-game: “He’s OK, he was tired in his legs - I preferred not to risk him. He’ll be OK.”

And in his pre-match press conference ahead of Madrid’s clash with Atalanta, Ancelotti added on Monday: “Bellingham’s fine - he’s 100% fit.”

Can Bellingham end UCL goal drought?

The former Borussia Dortmund star heads into today’s game in Bergamo on a fine scoring run, having netted in each of his last five LaLiga appearances. However, he hasn’t scored in the Champions League since November 2023, and the European champions face Atalanta in a precarious position in the competition’s new-look league phase.

Vini back fit as Madrid eye UCL turnaround

After successive defeats to AC Milan and Liverpool, Madrid are down in 24th place in the Champions League’s 36-team table, whose bottom 12 finishers will be eliminated. The Champions League’s holders haven’t exited Europe’s elite club tournament at the first hurdle since Chelsea in 2012/13.

Madrid are expected to welcome forward Vinícius Júnior back into their team against Atalanta, having been without the Brazilian for their last four games due to a hamstring injury. Vinícius’s compatriot, Rodrygo Goes, is also expected to be fit after sitting out the Girona win with a muscle issue.

However, Los Merengues will be without the injured Frenchmen Ferland Mendy (quadriceps) and Eduardo Camavinga (hamstring), as well as long-term casualties David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Éder Militao (all ACL).

Atalanta vs Real Madrid: start time, how to watch

Atalanta host Real Madrid at Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday December 10, 2024, with kick-off in Bergamo scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT. Viewers in the US can watch the game on TUDN USA, UniMás, Paramount+ and ViX. You can also stream the action on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial.

You’ll also have the option of following AS USA’s live-text coverage of the matchday-six game.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.