A highly anticipated showdown in the Champions League last 16 tie takes place this Wednesday as Atalanta welcomes home Atalanta for the first leg. The match schedules at Gewiss Stadium with kickoff at 11 pm.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side finished second in their Group D spot in the knockout stages. At the same time, Real Madrid ultimately topped their Group B standings after a shaky start to their proceedings.
A few years ago, Real Madrid would have been the clear favorites to get a win, but that is far from the case. Atalanta’s memory rise to the top has been impressive while rising to continental glory in the previous season.
Last season, La Dea’s Champions League campaign ended in the quarter-finals as the side lost to finalists Paris Saint Germaine. Gasperini’s men continue their free-scoring form this term while managing to secure Group D’s second spot behind Liverpool.
It marks the club’s most significant tie in their 113-year history as the Bergamo-based outfit welcomes an injury-hit Real Madrid to Italy. Regarding their domestic triumphs, the side is far away from two title-chasing Milan clubs in Serie A.
Real Madrid’s dominance in the Champions League over the past decade has become a thing of the past quickly. Since their 2017-18 Champions League triumph, the Los Blancos were knocked out at this stage by Ajax and Manchester City.
Atalanta BSC vs. Real Madrid Head to Head
Both sides are yet to meet against each other at this stage of the competition. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Atalanta 4-2 Napoli
Cagliari 0-1 Atalanta
Atalanta 3-1 Napoli
Atalanta 3-3 Torino
Napoli 0-0 Atalanta
Away
Real Vallavoid 0-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 2-0 Valencia
Madrid 2-0 Getafe
Real Madrid 1-2 Levante
Deportivo Alaves 1-4 Real Madrid
Atalanta BSC Team News
The only injury concern is the right wing-back Hans Hataboer, but deputy Joakim Maehle shrugged off any injury concerns to play any fitness concerns against Napoli. Gasperini’s has two men walking on a tight rope regarding bookings, including Cristian Romero and Berat Djimsiti.
Real Madrid Team News
There are many injury concerns for Zinedine Zidane ahead of their clash with the latest blow of Karim Benzema. The Frenchman joins Eden Hazard, Marcelo, Eder Milita, Daniel Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, and Federico Valverde.
Prediction and Odds
A full-strength Real Madrid will be able to take it to Gasperini, but an injury-struck one, not so much.
Atalanta Win
Goals Over 2.5
Zapata to Score