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Fresh off another fine performance against AC Milan, Ademola Lookman will hope to help Atalanta bag maximum points when they host European giants Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Here are predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups for the game.
Real Madrid face a stern test in Bergamo as they take on UEFA Europa League champions Atalanta.
Los Blancos are eager to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Liverpool and increase their chances of making it to the Champions League knockout stage.
Despite their recent struggles, Madrid holds a perfect record against the Italian side, including a 2-0 victory in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this season.
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However, Atalanta are a formidable force, especially at home, and are riding a wave of momentum after their impressive Europa League triumph and strong start to the Serie A campaign.
Gian Piero Gasperini's side have won eight consecutive league matches, including a 2-1 win against AC Milan last Friday, thanks to Ademola Lookman's late goal.
They also have one of the most potent attacks in Serie A, scoring 38 times in 14 matches, surpassed only by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG in Europe's top five leagues.
Atalanta's defensive prowess has been equally impressive, as they, Inter, and Liverpool are the only three teams yet to concede in the Champions League so far.
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Atalanta vs. Real Madrid Head to Head
Real Madrid enter the match with a perfect record against Atalanta, having won all three previous encounters. Their most recent victory, a 2-0 triumph in the UEFA Super Cup, saw Kylian Mbappé score on his debut for the club.
The two sides last met in the Champions League Round of 16 during the 2020-21 season, with Real Madrid emerging victorious 3-1 at home and 1-0 away.
Atalanta vs. Real Madrid Team News and Possible Lineups
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Atalanta have received a boost with Giorgio Scalvini's early return from a serious knee injury. However, they are still expected to be without Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are facing a severe injury crisis, particularly in defence.
Eder Militao's second consecutive ACL injury joins those of David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, leaving Toni Rudiger as the only fit senior center-back. Aurelien Tchouameni, who often deputised in defence last season, is also sidelined.
Other notable absences for Madrid include Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo.
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Atalanta Predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)
Carnesecchi (GK); Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Lookman, Pasalic; Retegui
Real Madrid Predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Courtois (GK); Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy; Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Atalanta vs. Real Madrid Predictions & Betting Tips
This is a tricky tie for Real Madrid, who have shown a lot of defensive weakness against the top teams this season.
With a host of key defenders sidelined, Madrid will most likely rely on their attacking firepower to overcome the Italian side. If Atalanta stays as solid as they have been in this season’s UCL, it could cause a lot of issues for Madrid, who are susceptible to counterattacks.
Over 2.5 goals
Both teams to score
First half over 0.5
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