Real Madrid vs. Atalanta Match Preview

Real Madrid aims to become the first team to win the UEFA Super Cup six times when they face Italian club Atalanta at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday night. They currently share the record of five Super Cup titles with Barcelona and AC Milan. A victory would make them the sole record holders.

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad comes into this match fresh off their 2023-24 UEFA Champions League triumph, where they defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior in the second half. This win was Ancelotti’s 13th trophy with Real Madrid, and a victory here would tie him with Miguel Muñoz for the most titles in the club’s history. Additionally, Ancelotti could surpass Pep Guardiola’s record of four UEFA Super Cup titles, becoming the coach with the most in history.

Photo byVienna ReyesonUnsplash

What to Expect From This Clash

This will be only the third encounter between Real Madrid and Atalanta in a competitive match, following their clash in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 during the 2020-21 season. In that tie, Real Madrid won both legs, securing a 1-0 victory in Bergamo with a goal from Ferland Mendy after Remo Freuler was sent off just 17 minutes into the match, and then they won 3-1 at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, their temporary home. Real Madrid progressed to the semi-finals that season but were eliminated by Chelsea, who went on to win the title.

The most recent meeting between a Spanish club and an Italian team in the UEFA Super Cup was in 2010 when Atlético Madrid triumphed 2-0 over Internazionale in Monaco. This match is going to be interesting to watch as Real Madrid will try to retain the maximum possession while Atalanta has to be defensively strong.

Both the coaches have had something to say ahead of the final fixture. Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach, to UEFA.com: “It’s going to be tough as always because it’s the beginning of the season. But we are going there with every confidence and conviction while bearing in mind all the challenges.”

Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta coach, to UEFA.com: “It will be an extraordinary occasion for Atalanta, for Bergamo, for the history of the place. We are playing against the most decorated club in the world, against the team that has won the most in the world.”

Team News and Possible Line-ups

With experienced defender David Alaba still out due to his long-term ACL recovery, Real Madrid’s starting lineup in Warsaw is expected to feature Mbappe, who has now fully rejoined the team following his post-Euro 2024 break. Young talents Endrick and Arda Guler in the lead-up to the UEFA Super Cup, are unlikely to start in this match.

Mbappe’s arrival has sparked speculation about the futures of Brazilian wingers Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior. Despite reports that Vinicius Junior declined a significant offer from the Saudi Pro League, both players are anticipated to support Mbappe in midweek. Atalanta have strengthened their squad with high-profile signings, including Charles De Ketelaere on a permanent deal and Mateo Retegui from Genoa, as well as adding Ben Godfrey, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Ibrahim Sulemana.

Veteran players such as Hans Hateboer, Pierluigi Gollini, Duvan Zapata, and Aleksei Miranchuk have been replaced by these new additions. Retegui might make his competitive debut as Gianluca Scamacca will be sidelined for months with an ACL injury.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Atalanta BC’s possible starting lineup: Musso; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Pasalic, Ederson, Ruggeri; Lookman, De Ketelaere; Retegui

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Article originally written by Jaineel Kariya