Real Madrid News
‘Would be something extraordinary’ – Atalanta coach dreams of beating Real Madrid in UEFA Super Cup
Atalanta defied all odds to defeat Bayer Leverkusen in the final of the UEFA Europa League, not more than a few weeks ago.
A week later, Real Madrid, too, defeated a German opponent in the UEFA Champions League. Their 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund sealed the club’s record 15th UCL title.
The win also helped Real Madrid book a place in next season’s UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta.
Gian Piero Gasperini on facing Real Madrid
In a recent interview, Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was asked about facing Real Madrid in the European Super Cup.
Gasperini expressed that winning the Super Cup will be Atalanta’s next big goal, although he did admit Real Madrid will be a difficult opponent.
“The European Super Cup is our next dream,” said Gasperini (h/t Mundo Deportivo), who has been the coach of Atalanta for the past eight years.
When asked about facing Real Madrid in the final, the Italian added, “Since we had this opportunity, without taking anything away from Borussia Dortmund, the hope was to face Real Madrid for a matter of prestige.”
“Real are the most famous team in the world. Going to compete with them for a Super Cup is something prestigious for Atalanta and for all of Bergamo,” he added.
As Gasperini continued to heap praise on the 15th-time European champion, he was also asked whether Atalanta have any chance of beating Real Madrid in the Super Cup.
The Italian admitted it will be a difficult task, though he did misplace his statistic when he mentioned “Real Madrid have not lost a European final since 1983.”
It must be noted that Real Madrid did lose a European final in 2018 when they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
Nevertheless, Gasperini admitted that beating Real Madrid would be a real achievement for Atalanta.
“It would be something extraordinary. Even Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen had not lost for a long time, perhaps due to the law of large numbers. For now, we will stick to this,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
