Madrid versus Atalanta Lineup Decision in Champions League: Ancelotti Faces Major Selection Dilemma
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti faces a crucial decision as he selects his squad for the crucial Champions League encounter against Atalanta on Tuesday night.
Real Madrid have endured a challenging start to the Champions League campaign, with three losses thus far, placing them well outside the top eight in the league phase. This means they risk having to compete in a play-off to progress to the knockout stages.
While Madrid triumphed over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup final, the Italian side has shown marked improvement since then, currently leading Serie A.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game, Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge that Atalanta presents. He said, "Atalanta is playing exceptionally well and has improved significantly since the Super Cup. They are on a roll and exude enthusiasm. But this is an opportunity to add points and qualify."
Ancelotti saw the match as a chance to secure three crucial points for qualification. "They will be three vital points to qualify. It will be difficult to make it into the top eight, so we will have to play for ninth to sixteenth, unfortunately. But tomorrow's game is only about three points," he reiterated.
Given the importance of the match, a strong lineup is expected, with many considering it a must-win encounter.
Ancelotti outlined his starting XI, with Thibaut Courtois expected in goal, and Fran Garcia, Toni Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Lucas Vazquez forming the defense. The injury to Ferland Mendy necessitates Fran's inclusion.
Tchouameni once again gets the nod over Raul Asencio in midfield, with Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Luka Modric, and Brahim Diaz in support. Brahim Diaz replaces Arda Guler, who scored at Girona on Saturday.
Up front, Kylian Mbappe is virtually guaranteed a place, with Ancelotti facing a decision between Vinicius Jr, who has recovered from injury ahead of schedule, and Rodrygo. The Ballon d'Or runner up is likely to be chosen to play on the left.
Real Madrid's Starting XI vs Atalanta:Courtois; Fran, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Vazquez; Bellingham, Valverde, Modric, Brahim; Vinicius, Mbappe
- Carlo Ancelotti expressed that Atalanta, currently leading Serie A, poses a significant challenge in the upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid.
- With Ferland Mendy injured, Franco Garcia is expected to fill in for the defense in Real Madrid's starting lineup against Atalanta.
- Kylian Mbappe is almost certain to feature in Real Madrid's attack against Atalanta, while Ancelotti faces a decision between Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo for the left-wing position.
- FC Barcelona's Jude Bellingham also makes the lineup for Real Madrid, joining Tchouameni, Valverde, Modric, and Brahim Diaz in midfield against Atalanta.
