Real Madrid, the undisputed “King of the Champions League,” faces a fresh challenge as European football enters a new era. Boasting a record 15 titles—more than double that of their nearest rivals, AC Milan—the Spanish giants now navigate uncharted waters in the competition’s revamped format.
This season, Real Madrid has faltered significantly, losing three of their five group-stage matches. Currently ranked 24th in the standings, the team faces the daunting task of staying within the top 24 to qualify for the Round of 16. A loss against Atalanta tonight could mark a turning point, plunging them into deeper crisis and reviving a painful memory from 2001, the last time they lost three consecutive away matches in the Champions League.
Recent defeats to Lille (1-0) and Liverpool (2-0) have added pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. If they fail to secure points tonight, it would complete a hat-trick of away losses, a feat unseen since their dismal 2001 campaign.
For a club accustomed to unparalleled success, this season’s group-stage struggles are a wake-up call. As they prepare to face Atalanta, Madridistas will hope their team can rewrite this chapter before it becomes another historical blemish.
