BERGAMO, Italy — Following a dominant 3-0 victory over Girona on Saturday, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti boldly proclaimed: “We’re back.”
But are they?
Tuesday’s hard-fought 3-2 win over Atalanta in the Champions League suggests otherwise. Real Madrid, for all their star power, are still struggling to function as a cohesive unit. To complicate matters, the team lost Kylian Mbappé to injury just 35 minutes into the game. While VinÃcius Júnior’s return was a silver lining, the challenges facing Ancelotti’s squad remain significant.
Playing Atalanta is never easy — as Pep Guardiola once quipped, it’s like “a trip to the dentist.” The good news for Real is that they won’t face Gian Piero Gasperini’s relentless side again anytime soon. The bad news? Madrid’s flaws are still glaring and need addressing.
Star Power and Grit
Tuesday night’s performance was a showcase of Madrid’s two defining traits: star power and grit. Mbappé opened the scoring with a moment of brilliance, while VinÃcius impressed with his creativity, including a stunning assist for Jude Bellingham’s goal. Bellingham, in turn, continued to shine with his intelligent movement and clinical finish. At the back, Antonio Rüdiger’s defensive heroics were crucial, proving that defenders can be stars too.
Yet it wasn’t just talent that saw Madrid through. Their grit — from Lucas Vázquez wasting precious injury-time seconds to Bellingham tirelessly covering ground — underpinned their victory. This resilience remains a hallmark of Ancelotti’s team.
Atalanta: A Unique Challenge
Atalanta’s high-octane, man-to-man pressing system once again proved why they are among Europe’s most unique teams. Gasperini’s ability to mold an eclectic mix of players — from Ademola Lookman to Charles De Ketelaere — into a cohesive unit is nothing short of masterful coaching. Their fearless approach and newfound defensive solidity make them formidable, as Madrid discovered.
Mbappé Shines, But Injury Looms
Mbappé’s early exit raises concerns, though Ancelotti labeled it a precautionary move. Before his substitution, the Frenchman was electric, scoring and constantly threatening Atalanta’s defense. His willingness to adapt and work off the ball showcased his growth as a player. Whether Madrid can cope without him, however, remains to be seen.
Éderson Steals the Show
Atalanta’s Éderson was arguably the best player on the pitch. Dominating midfield battles, outpacing VinÃcius, and even nutmegging Mbappé, the Brazilian was a relentless force. Few midfielders in world football can match his combination of quality and work rate right now.
What’s Next?
Real Madrid’s victory in Bergamo was a testament to their individual brilliance and mental toughness, but the cracks in their system remain evident. If they are to live up to Ancelotti’s proclamation of being “back,” Madrid must address their tactical imbalances and learn to function as more than just the sum of their stars.
For now, the journey continues, but the road ahead remains uncertain.
