Atalanta are one of the most in-form teams in Europe at the moment. They will host Real Madrid on the back of a nine-game winning streak in all competitions. They are also top of the Serie A table with 34 points from 15 games.
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his team also impressed in the Champions League when they won 11 points, ranking 5th on the rankings.
However, the Italians have only won two of their previous seven games against Spanish teams. This will be their second meeting with Real Madrid this season, after losing 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup in August.
On the other side, Real Madrid is currently second in La Liga, 2 points behind leaders Barcelona. However, Carlo Ancelotti's team is struggling in the Champions League with only 2 wins after 5 matches.
Los Blancos have dropped to 24th place, just enough to qualify for the play-offs. They have just three games left to turn things around, against Atalanta, Red Bull Salzburg and Brest. Real Madrid have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League in each of the last 28 seasons. It would be the biggest shock in history if they fail to reach the last 16 this year.
In the past, Real Madrid have won 12, drawn 8 and lost 18 of their 38 away games against Italian clubs in European competition.
Real Madrid really need a positive result to secure their chances of progressing. In their current situation, they could fall out of the top 24 if they lose to Atalanta.
Expected lineup
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
