Real Madrid will face Atalanta in the match for the 2024 UEFA Super Cup trophy. The European Super Cup match between Real Madrid vs Atalanta is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 02:00 WIB.

Madrid, who already have the likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, are now stronger with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. On paper, the Champions League winners would be the favourites.

However, Madrid cannot underestimate Atalanta. Although they will be without Gianluca Scamacca, Nicolo Zaniolo, Teun Koopmeiners, Rafael Toloi and Giorgio Scalvini, the Europa League champions should not be underestimated.

Madrid certainly do not want to suffer the same fate as Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, who were beaten by Atalanta on their way to the title last season, even though the two clubs were more favored.

Atalanta in Europa League 2023/2024

In 13 matches in the 2023/2024 Europa League, from the group stage to the final, Atalanta recorded eight wins and only one loss. The other four matches ended in a draw (W8 D4 L1).

In those 13 games, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team scored a total of 25 goals and conceded only eight.

In the quarter-finals, Atalanta challenged Liverpool. In the first leg at Liverpool’s home ground, Atalanta won 3-0 with two goals from Gianluca Scamacca and one goal from Mario Pasalic. Atalanta eventually won 3-1 on aggregate.

In the final, against Leverkusen who had never been defeated, Atalanta again appeared mighty. Atalanta won 3-0 through a hat-trick by Ademola Lookman.

Does Atalanta Have a Chance to Create an Upset Against Madrid?

“Why not? Remember, at the start of the season like this, no one is in the best condition,” said legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi, as quoted by Football Italia.

“I still remember Atalanta’s incredible performances against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen.”

“In the right mood, they are capable of playing fantastic, entertaining football. Gasperini’s Atalanta are different from most Italian teams. They take risks, attack and show no fear.”

Atalanta’s Extraordinary Spirit in Underdog Position

With underdog status, like when they played against Leverkusen in last season’s final, Atalanta showed extraordinary spirit. Atalanta is determined to show it again when they face Madrid later.

“Tomorrow night will not be the same. Playing in the Super Cup tomorrow is a different night. I’m excited, happy to be involved and really looking forward to it,” said Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.

“Not just me, but the whole squad is excited about this moment. We deserve to be here thanks to our hard work and persistence. Tomorrow night, we have another chance to show it.”

Source: Football Italia