Real Madrid will face off against Europa League titleholders Atalanta in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, August 14th, at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland. This highly anticipated game promises to be an exciting start to the European football season 2024-25.
Real Madrid's Quest for History
Real Madrid, the most successful team in UEFA Super Cup history, has won the trophy five times, tied with Barcelona and AC Milan. A victory against Atalanta would see them break this record and become the outright most successful club in the competition's history.
Carlo Ancelotti's side will also be looking to hand Kylian Mbappé a winning debut in a Real Madrid shirt, with the French superstar set to feature after his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappé's inclusion, along with the return of Jude Bellingham from his post-Euro 2024 break, adds to the intrigue surrounding this match.
Atalanta's Underdog Status and Injury Concerns
Atalanta, making their first-ever appearance in the UEFA Super Cup, will be looking to continue their giant-killing exploits from last season's Europa League triumph. Despite being underdogs, Gian Piero Gasperini's side will be confident in their ability to upset the odds, having done so numerous times in their recent European campaigns.
However, Atalanta will be without several key players due to injuries, including Gianluca Scamacca, Giorgio Scalvini, Rafael Toloi, and Nicolo Zaniolo. The absence of these players will undoubtedly be a blow to their chances of pulling off an upset against the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid vs Atalanta H2H and Recent Form
Real Madrid and Atalanta have only met once before, in the 2020-21 Champions League round of 16, with the Spanish side winning 4-1 on aggregate. In that tie, Ferland Mendy scored a late winner in the first leg in Italy, before a 3-1 victory for Madrid in the return leg in Spain.
In terms of recent form, Real Madrid will be looking to carry over their Champions League-winning momentum from last season, while Atalanta will be hoping to replicate their Europa League triumph.
Real Madrid vs Atalanta Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (predicted lineup): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius
Atalanta (predicted lineup): Musso; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Pasalic, Ederson, Ruggeri; Lookman, De Ketelaere; Retegui
Key players to watch include Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior for Real Madrid, and Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere for Atalanta.
Match Details and How to Watch
Date: Wednesday, August 14th, 2024
Kick-off time: 8:00 PM BST
Venue: National Stadium, Warsaw, Poland
TV channel: TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate
Live stream: Discovery+ app and website
With both teams looking to start the season on a high note and make history, this UEFA Super Cup clash promises to be an enthralling encounter between the Champions League and Europa League winners.