The re-edition of the UEFA Super Cup, the first title claimed out of the seven Real Madrid is pursuing this season, tests the irregular form of Carlo Ancelotti's side. Affected by injuries and weighed down by defeats, the team has been pushed to the brink in the Champions League.

Madrid’s critical match in Italy

Looking at LaLiga as a mirror, where they bounced back with a win in Girona after a loss in San Mamés, Real Madrid heads into a key match in Italy with a complicated outlook. The defeat to Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu and away losses to Lille and Liverpool have left the team in 24th place overall, far from the top eight spots that guarantee direct qualification to the round of 16. 

Their path to resurgence in Europe includes games against Atalanta, Salzburg at home, and Brest. The team holds onto the optimistic memory of the UEFA Super Cup final in Warsaw, where Kylian Mbappé shined with a goal marking his arrival, though his season has been inconsistent. After recent criticism for missed penalties, Mbappé returned to form with a standout performance in Girona. He is expected to maintain that momentum against an Atalanta side that leaves space for counterattacks.

Atalanta, the revelation team

Meanwhile, Atalanta, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, is experiencing an exceptional moment. They lead Serie A for the first time in their history and remain unbeaten in the Champions League, with three wins and two draws. With 38 goals scored in the Italian league and just one conceded in Europe, they are one of the continent's most effective teams. Their offensive star, Argentine Mateo Retegui, tops the Serie A scoring charts with 12 goals. Key contributors include Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who is essential in both creation and defense.

With their usual three-center-back formation and deep wing-backs, the Bergamo team aims to press high and use their dynamic play to suffocate Real Madrid. However, their track record against the Spanish side is not encouraging: in three previous meetings, the Madrid club has come out victorious.

Probable lineups:

• Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui.
• Real Madrid: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde, Modric, Bellingham; Vinícius, Mbappé.

The clash at the Gewiss Stadium will be a crucial test for both teams. While Atalanta looks to establish itself as the revelation of the season, Real Madrid seeks to affirm that its legacy in Europe remains untouchable.