Real Madrid, the record 15-time Champions League winners, are facing a critical juncture in their European campaign. Currently languishing in 24th place in the group stage standings, having lost three of their first five matches, the reigning champions are teetering on the brink of elimination. With only the top 24 teams advancing beyond the group phase, Real Madrid’s upcoming matches against Atalanta, RB Salzburg, and Brest are crucial for their survival in the competition. The pressure is mounting on Carlo Ancelotti’s side, as they must navigate these challenging fixtures while grappling with internal issues and a string of injuries.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappe, the superstar signing from Paris Saint-Germain, has not yielded the immediate impact expected. While his goal tally of 11 goals in 21 games is respectable, his overall performances have fallen short of the lofty expectations surrounding a player of his caliber. Mbappe’s adaptation to the Real Madrid system has been slower than anticipated, and recent penalty misses against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao have further intensified scrutiny. Off-field issues, including a dispute with PSG over unpaid wages and an ongoing investigation in Sweden, have also contributed to a challenging period for the young striker. Ancelotti, however, has urged patience, emphasizing the need for time to allow Mbappe to fully integrate into the team and reach his peak performance.
Compounding Real Madrid’s woes is a spate of injuries to key players. Long-term knee injuries have sidelined defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, depriving the team of crucial defensive stability. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has occasionally filled in as a makeshift defender, has also been battling injuries, further depleting the team’s defensive options. The upcoming match against Atalanta will see Real Madrid without Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and David Alaba, adding to their defensive vulnerabilities. The return of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes from injury provides a glimmer of hope, but their reintegration into the starting lineup presents a tactical dilemma for Ancelotti.
Vinicius Junior’s preferred position on the left wing clashes with Mbappe’s favoured role, creating a selection conundrum for the manager. Ancelotti had experimented with playing Mbappe as a centre-forward earlier in the season, but briefly switched their positions before Vinicius’ injury. With both players now fit, Ancelotti must find a way to maximize their effectiveness while maintaining team balance. This tactical challenge adds another layer of complexity to Real Madrid’s already precarious situation.
Beyond individual performances, Ancelotti has identified a broader issue of inconsistency affecting the entire team. Real Madrid’s five defeats across all competitions this season, compared to just two losses in the entirety of last season, underscore the team’s struggles to recapture their dominant form. Ancelotti has acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but remains optimistic about their ability to turn things around. He emphasizes the quality within the squad and expresses confidence that Real Madrid will eventually rediscover their winning formula. A resounding 3-0 victory over Girona in La Liga offered a much-needed boost, but the true test lies in their upcoming Champions League fixtures.
The clash against Atalanta presents a significant hurdle for Real Madrid. Atalanta, currently leading Serie A and unbeaten in the Champions League, pose a formidable threat. Real Madrid’s depleted defense will be severely tested against Atalanta’s attacking prowess. A strong performance and a positive result against Atalanta are crucial for restoring confidence and reigniting their Champions League campaign. The pressure is immense, but Real Madrid’s history of delivering under pressure in Europe offers a glimmer of hope. The upcoming matches will determine whether they can recapture their past glories and navigate their way out of this precarious situation. Their ability to overcome these challenges will not only define their European ambitions this season but also have a significant impact on the team’s morale and overall trajectory.
