Will Real and Atletico Madrid Secure Vital Wins in the Champions League?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid faces scrutiny under Xabi Alonso.
- Injuries to key players are impacting performance.
- Atletico Madrid seeks a crucial home victory against Inter Milan.
- Both teams are vying for a strong position in the UEFA Champions League.
- Upcoming matches could define their seasons.
Madrid, Nov 25 (NationPress) Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set to compete in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Real Madrid will be heading to Greece amid uncertainties regarding coach Xabi Alonso, while Atletico will play a critical home match essential for their European aspirations.
Real Madrid's recent 2-2 draw against Elche has sparked further doubts about the team's performance under Alonso, who is grappling with injuries to key defenders such as Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao, according to reports from Xinhua.
After dropping two crucial points in their last La Liga match, the 36-time champions and 26-time runners-up, Real Madrid, currently holds the top position in the points table with 32 points from 14 matches, comprising 10 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.
In the match against Elche, Rodrygo's partnership with Kylian Mbappe did not bolster his case for additional playing time. Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos struggled to fill the void left by the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, and Trent Alexander-Arnold showcased both strengths and weaknesses, with his impressive set-piece delivery countered by a misstep leading to Elche's first goal.
Initially poised to extend their lead atop the table, Real Madrid's margin has now shrunk to just one point ahead of Barcelona, three points over Villarreal, and four points in front of Atletico Madrid.
The upcoming fixture against Olympiacos offers Real Madrid the opportunity to regain momentum after a series of disappointing results, while another failure could intensify the scrutiny on Alonso, especially with matches against Girona and Athletic Bilbao on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Atletico welcomes Inter Milan at home, with coach Diego Simeone overseeing a strong La Liga performance but in need of a positive outcome in Europe.
Currently sitting at 17th in the 36-team table with two victories and two defeats, Atletico appears secure for at least a playoff berth; however, a win is crucial for the former La Liga champions to aspire for a top-eight finish.
Unfortunately, Simeone will be without injured defenders Marcos Llorente and Robin Le Normand, and Giuliano Simeone is also doubtful due to a minor strain, which could impact their performance against last season's finalists who arrive with four consecutive tournament victories.