Real Madrid is going through a period of uncertainty in the Champions League. After the humiliation suffered at Anfield against Liverpool, Carlo Ancelotti's team finds itself in a delicate situation.
The Whites are currently in 24th place in the group stage, the last one that gives them access to the play-off round. With a couple of games to go, their chances of getting into the top eight seem slim. This situation has set off the alarm at the club. President Florentino Pérez is beginning to be seriously worried.
A Complicated Group
The group that Real Madrid find themselves in is one of the toughest. The 0-2 defeat in Liverpool, added to other unexpected setbacks, has complicated Madrid's aspirations.
Despite having world-class players such as Mbappé, Valverde and Vinícius Jr., the team hasn't achieved the stability required in the top European competition. The margin to correct errors and qualify for the round of 16 is narrowing with each match.
Next Obstacle: Atalanta
Real Madrid's next challenge will be on December 10th in Bergamo against Atalanta. Although Madridists beat the Italian team during the European Super Cup (2-0), the situation is now very different.
Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta has been in spectacularly fit. They come to this game with seven consecutive wins and are second place in Serie A, just one point behind Napoli. Their offense is one of the most lethal in Europe, with 34 goals in 13 games and a difference of +18.
Europe's Surprise
Atalanta has surprised everyone, including figures such as Arrigo Sacchi, former Milan coach, who has praised Gasperini's play: "Atalanta makes even the most difficult things easy."
According to Sacchi, the Bergamo team is a machine in motion and promises to be a very difficult opponent for Madrid. Despite the departure of some key players such as Koopmeiners and the injury of Scamacca, the team hasn't lost its intensity or its offensive capacity.
Florentino Pérez's Fear
Given this situation, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is beginning to look with concern at the near future. The visit to Bergamo is shaping up to be a crucial match. A slip-up could mean an almost definite blow to Madrid's Champions League aspirations.
Right now, the white team needs to find its best version more than ever. Otherwise they'll fall into an abyss of doubts and despair.