Real Madrid vs Atalanta Prediction: 14/8/2024

Having claimed their 15th Champions League title with a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1, Real Madrid is set to compete in the UEFA Super Cup for the ninth time. The club has already secured five titles in this competition.

This summer, Real Madrid made headlines by signing Kylian Mbappé, adding to their star-studded lineup, and they are aiming for dominance across national, European, and global competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the season. Tonight, the Merengues will officially kick off their season in Warsaw. Previously, they participated in a promotional tour in the United States, playing friendly matches against AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea.

Atalanta, on the other hand, won the Europa League for the first time in their history by defeating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final, marking their first major European success. Although they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2020, they were eliminated by PSG.

Atalanta was also the only team to defeat Leverkusen last season. Despite their increasing presence in major competitions, they have struggled to clinch titles, including in Serie A, where they have yet to win a Scudetto. Tonight, they face the formidable Real Madrid, having prepared with friendly matches against Alkmaar and German second division champions St. Pauli.

Real Madrid’s summer transfer activity saw them bring in Kylian Mbappé, who was the co-top scorer in last year’s Champions League with eight goals. However, Mbappé, along with other key players like Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Ferland Mendy, Carvajal, Bellingham, and Valverde, did not participate in the American tour due to their late returns from international duties. Meanwhile, Rodrygo and Vinicius, who were eliminated in the Copa America quarter-finals, should be in great form, as well as the young talent Endrick from Palmeiras.

The club has seen the departure of versatile defender Nacho, and Joselu, who played a key role in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern, while legendary midfielder Toni Kroos has retired. Real Madrid’s efforts to sign Lenny Yoro fell through, leading them to pursue Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund and Trent-Alexander Arnold from Liverpool. Currently, Real Madrid’s central defense options are limited to Rüdiger, Militao, and Alaba, with Alaba still recovering from injury.

Atalanta, meanwhile, is likely to field a strong lineup, with important players like Koopmeiners, who missed the Euro due to injury, and Scamacca, who struggled with Italy in the summer, expected to feature. Lookman, who scored 11 goals in Serie A last season, and Charles De Ketelaere, with 10 goals and 8 assists, are also in contention for starting roles. In the transfer window, Atalanta has brought in Zaniolo on loan from Galatasaray, young defender Godfrey, and future star Bernasconi. Okoli, who was on loan at Frosinone last season, has permanently moved to Leicester City.

 

Prediction

Real Madrid has been formidable at home in recent UEFA Super Cup matches, winning several of their last 20 games at home and scoring at least three goals in each of their last six. With their current form and squad depth, they are expected to edge out Atalanta in a closely contested match.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2:1 Atalanta.