Real Madrid: 3 predictions for Los Blancos against Atalanta

Real Madrid will not allow more than one goal

Madridistas are understandably frightened by Atalanta’s attack. They have the best super-sub in the world in Luis Muriel, who has 14 goals in around 750 Serie A minutes. Duvan Zapata is just as good up top. And Josip Ilicic is one of the most fluid, skillful forwards in European football.

Real Madrid have standout players defensively in their own right, even without Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos in the XI. The center back duo of Nacho Fernandez and Raphael Varane has been nearly impenetrable over the past few weeks. But they will be tested to a different degree on Wednesday, considering Atalanta’s players are levels above those on Getafe, Valencia, and Real Valladolid.

Ferland Mendy and Thibaut Courtois are two excellent defensive players who have been world-class this season. Although Mendy has his negative moments, he’s been impossible to beat defensively for two years running in Madrid as their most successful 2019 summer signing. And Courtois has a legitimate claim to being the best goalkeeper in the world, on the strength of what he has done for Los Merengues in the past two seasons.

Atalanta will get their goal, but they will not get two. Los Blancos will buckle down defensively and show great heart on the road in this match.