A few hours away from the highly anticipated clash of the sixth round of the Champions League between Atalanta and Real Madrid, Papu Gomez, a former player of the Italian club, has dismissed Carlo Ancelotti’s team, claiming they are no longer a team to fear.
Real Madrid are set to play a crucial match this Tuesday in Italy. Having been defeated in their last two Champions League outings (3-1 by AC Milan and 2-0 by Liverpool), Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face Atalanta Bergamo. Since the recent encounter between the two teams in the UEFA Super Cup final last August, a match won by Madrid (2-0), the tide has turned for both clubs. While the Spanish side has struggled to shine in big matches, the Italian team is excelling.
Currently at the top of Serie A with 34 points, Atalanta Bergamo, unbeaten since 28 September, are unstoppable. Boasting an impressive lineup featuring Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Retegui, La Dea is causing serious damage to their opponents. Last Friday, AC Milan, who had already defeated Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, fell victim to Gian Piero Gasperini’s players, losing 2-1. On Tuesday, against the Madrilenians at the Gewiss Stadium, Atalanta will aim to repeat their success. One thing is clear: confidence is soaring in the Italian camp.
Gomez’s bold remarks ahead of the clash
Papu Gomez, former captain and legend of the Bergamo-based team (2014-2021, 254 matches, 60 goals), has openly stated that Real Madrid could easily be knocked out on Tuesday. Highlighting his former team’s improved defensive strength, the former Argentine international firmly believes in an Atalanta victory.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Papu Gomez detailed what he believes to be Atalanta’s main strength: “The defence is much stronger than before. It’s impressive; Atalanta are a top club. A mix of experience, quality, strength, and character. It helps to have a midfield like De Roon, and they’ve found Ederson. Freuler is a phenomenon, but Ederson has unique qualities. He’s among the top 10 in Europe,” he began before dismissing Real Madrid’s chances.
“In Spain, they never train by playing tough”
“Atalanta can hurt anyone, including Real Madrid. The Madrilenians are not at their best; they have injured players and others just returning. I don’t see them as solid. In Spain, they never train by playing tough,“ said the former attacking midfielder, urging his former teammates to press Madrid’s defence and prevent smooth build-up play.
“It will be essential not to allow Real Madrid’s defenders to play out calmly and to be ready to play long balls and manage the space. If Mbappé and Vinicius have 40 metres in front of them, they’ll hurt you, as we saw with Leão on Friday. Reviewing the August match and preparing based on that will be crucial for the coach.“
The message is clear. It’s now up to Carlo Ancelotti to prove that his team has what it takes to defeat top sides this season.
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