"Not used to going through these moments" - Real Madrid star Federico Valverde speaks up on Los Blancos' struggles ahead of UCL clash against Atalanta

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has candidly addressed the team's recent struggles, shedding light on their uncharacteristic dip in form. The Uruguay international said that Los Blancos are not used to going through the unwanted situation they currently find themselves in but is optimistic that they will find a way to get their form back.

For a club synonymous with dominance, Real Madrid’s current standing in the Champions League is nothing short of shocking. The 15-time European champions find themselves in 24th place on the UCL table, an unfamiliar and unsettling position for a team that has historically set the benchmark for excellence.

Ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Serie A side Atalanta in the Champions League tomorrow, Valverde acknowledged that the situation is difficult to digest. He said (via Diario AS):

“We find ourselves in a situation that we are not used to, and the only way to change the tide is by going out on the pitch at full capacity, showing everything we have worked on these past days. Solidarity at the back and efficiency up front. We know Atalanta can mark man-to-man, but this could benefit us given the players we have. Let us focus on that.”

When asked how it feels to look at the table and see Real Madrid in 24th place, Valverde admitted:

“It is tough, obviously. We are not used to going through these moments; we are always at the top. But we need to remain calm, accept that this is part of football, part of the process, and trust in the work. Hopefully, we will be celebrating titles by the end of the season. Despite winning so much, we must keep our feet on the ground.”

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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti on Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of UCL clash

In another report, Carlo Ancelotti gave his assessment of Atalanta and their manager ahead of their clash tomorrow. The Italian manager said that the Serie A side are doing well and have massively improved compared to the last time they met. He also heaped praise on their manager Gian Piero Gasperini, claiming that he is doing a fantastic job.

Real Madrid will travel to Bergamo for their sixth group game of the 2024-25 season. The Spanish giants are in dire need of a victory as it will improve their chances of making it to the knockout stages. Both sides met earlier in the season in the UEFA Super Cup, with Real Madrid securing a 2-0 victory.

Ancelotti, however, claimed that the version of Atalanta they will play against tomorrow is much better than the one they played against in August. He said (via ESPN):

"Atalanta are doing very well, they have improved a lot compared to the Super Cup. They're on a roll and they're full of enthusiasm but that give us a chance to go out there and prove a point while earning three important points. They are a great team, a club that does a spectacular job despite losing a lot of players every summer. They always find ways to adapt and that says a lot about who they are.

On Atalanta’s manager, he said:

"(Manager Gian Piero Gasperini) is doing a fantastic job. They change a lot of players every season, but he knows how to adapt always playing an intense, beautiful style of football. His work is spectacular." (Reporting by Fernando Kallas in Madrid; Editing by Ken Ferris)