Ancelotti Confident Despite Real Madrid’s Champions League Challenges

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes his squad won’t achieve a top-eight placement in the 36-team Champions League rankings and will need to undergo a two-legged elimination playoff stage for a shot at advancing to the last 16.

After an exceptional season during which they claimed record-extending trophies in LaLiga and the Champions League, Real have faltered in their European title pursuit, dropping three of their previous four international fixtures.

With six points from five matches, Real are lingering four points outside the top eight in 24th, the final position that secures a route to the playoffs, as they prepare for a trip to on-fire Atalanta on Tuesday.

The Serie A frontrunners are fifth in the Champions League standings with 11 points, having allowed only one goal.

With three games remaining, Ancelotti admitted it was a crucial clash in Bergamo but emphasized that he believed his players possessed the resilience to silence the critics.

“(That is no more at risk) than three essential points that will enable us to progress,” the Italian remarked at a press briefing on Monday.

“Regrettably, we will have to compete in an additional round, but so be it; I hold immense belief in my squad.

“Things have developed; we are now in a positive trajectory and will continue advancing as we push forward. Tomorrow’s match may be the toughest one between now and year’s end.

“(My level of unease) is moderate at the moment … moderate. We are focused on identifying an effective approach to defeat a very challenging rival like Atalanta. But nothing beyond … moderate.”

Ancelotti anticipates facing a vastly-altered Atalanta lineup from the one they defeated 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup in August. The Europa League victors are on a nine-match unbeaten streak across all tournaments, including triumphs over AC Milan, Napoli, and Roma.

“Atalanta are performing exceptionally, they’ve grown significantly since the Super Cup. They’re in great form and brimming with energy, but that provides us with an opportunity to step up and make our mark while securing three vital points,” Ancelotti stated.

“They are a phenomenal team, a club that excels at outstanding work despite losing numerous players each summer. They always manage to adapt, and that speaks volumes about their identity.

“(Coach Gian Piero Gasperini) is doing an incredible job. They swap many players every season, yet he knows how to adjust, always employing an energetic, captivating brand of football. His efforts are extraordinary.”