UEFA Super Cup: Real Madrid Ready to Unleash Full Strength, Atalanta’s Attack Hampered by Injuries

The 49th UEFA Super Cup will take place in Warsaw, Poland, on August 15. This year’s competition presents an intriguing matchup between two teams at different stages of their European journey: Real Madrid, a seasoned giant of the UEFA Champions League, and Atalanta, a relative newcomer to the European elite, who shocked the continent by winning the UEFA Europa League last season.

Real Madrid: A Tradition of Winning and a New Era of Strength

Real Madrid secured their place in the Super Cup by winning the UEFA Champions League last season with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final. It was the 15th time in the club’s history that they lifted the prestigious trophy, further cementing their status as the kings of European football. Yet, despite the historic achievement, the team’s celebrations were surprisingly subdued. The squad’s reaction to winning the Champions League mirrored that of a routine La Liga victory, a testament to the high expectations and winning culture ingrained in the club. For most of the squad, it was just another day at the office, except for Josélu, whose exuberance stood out as he celebrated his first major European trophy.

While the final against Dortmund appeared straightforward, Real Madrid’s path to the title was anything but easy. The quarterfinal clash against Manchester City was arguably their most challenging test. Facing a side with greater squad depth, Carlo Ancelotti relied on his tactical acumen, deploying an Italian-style defensive strategy that ultimately saw them through. In a dramatic penalty shootout, Ancelotti made a surprising decision by selecting two center-backs, Antonio Rüdiger and Nacho, to take the final penalties. While Rüdiger’s choice was understandable given his long-range shooting ability, Nacho’s selection raised eyebrows, especially with other more attacking players like Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde on the pitch. This decision seemed to reflect Ancelotti’s belief in the psychological and leadership qualities of his players rather than just their technical skills.

The semifinal against Bayern Munich was another stern test for Los Blancos, but the team approached the match with greater confidence, especially after surviving the Manchester City encounter. In the second leg, with the match still deadlocked, Ancelotti turned to Josélu, the only true center-forward in the squad. Josélu’s impact was immediate, as he scored twice in the box, evoking memories of Ancelotti’s former protégé, Filippo Inzaghi. These goals highlighted Josélu’s instincts as a striker, and his contributions were crucial in guiding Real Madrid to the final.

Ancelotti’s ability to integrate new players into the squad has been a hallmark of his coaching career. Last season, five players in the squad scored double-digit goals, including newcomers Jude Bellingham, Josélu, and Brahim Díaz. The successful integration of these players speaks volumes about Ancelotti’s talent for nurturing and developing talent.

This season, with the addition of Kylian Mbappé, Ancelotti is considering a tactical shift that could see Bellingham deployed in a deeper role, similar to his position at Borussia Dortmund. The question remains whether Bellingham will adapt to this new role and, perhaps more importantly, whether he will be willing to take on a less glamorous but crucial part in the team’s setup.

Atalanta: From Serie A Contenders to European Giants

Atalanta’s rise to prominence in European football has been nothing short of remarkable. Just a few seasons ago, they were considered a strong team in Serie A but not quite among the elite. However, their UEFA Europa League triumph last season has elevated them into the upper echelons of Italian football. Their journey to the Super Cup began with a comfortable group stage performance, where they topped their group without facing any significantly tough opposition. The round of 16 victory over Sporting CP was expected, but it wasn’t until their quarterfinal demolition of Liverpool that people began to take notice of their potential as champions.

The 3-0 away win against Liverpool in the first leg was a statement of intent. Atalanta’s striker, Gianluca Scamacca, who had previously played for West Ham United, was the star of the show, scoring twice and leading his team to a commanding victory. This performance not only secured Atalanta’s place in the semifinals but also solidified Scamacca’s position as the starting striker for Italy in the upcoming European Championship. Unfortunately, Scamacca’s performance at the Euros was underwhelming, but his contributions to Atalanta’s success cannot be overstated.

Despite a narrow 1-0 loss in the second leg at home, Atalanta’s overall dominance in the tie ensured their progression to the semifinals. By this stage, their reputation had grown, and their semifinal victory over Marseille was met with little surprise. In the final, Atalanta faced Bayer Leverkusen, a team that had just won the Bundesliga without losing a single match. Yet, Atalanta managed to hand Leverkusen their first and only defeat of the season, with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman stealing the show. Lookman’s hat-trick, the first in a UEFA Europa League final since the competition was rebranded, dismantled Leverkusen’s defense and secured Atalanta’s place in the history books.

Atalanta’s tactical approach, heavily reliant on Italian-style defensive solidity and counter-attacking football, proved to be the perfect formula for their success. However, as they prepare to face Real Madrid in the Super Cup, they face a significant challenge. Scamacca, their top scorer and focal point in attack, is sidelined with an injury, leaving Atalanta’s offense severely weakened. Without their star striker, the team’s ability to replicate their previous attacking prowess is in doubt.

The Super Cup Showdown: A Clash of Styles and Strategies

As the Super Cup approaches, Real Madrid is expected to field a strong lineup, despite the match’s reputation as a glorified friendly. Ancelotti, who has already won the Super Cup five times, is keen to surpass the records held by Barcelona and AC Milan. The inclusion of Mbappé in the squad adds an extra layer of intrigue, with the French superstar likely to make his competitive debut for the club in this match. Real Madrid’s bench depth has improved significantly this season, and even in a match with less at stake, they are expected to perform at a high level.

Atalanta, on the other hand, will need to find a way to compensate for Scamacca’s absence. The responsibility will likely fall on Lookman and the rest of the attacking unit to step up and deliver. However, without their primary goal scorer, breaking down Real Madrid’s defense will be a daunting task. Atalanta’s strength has always been their ability to adapt tactically, and they will need to draw on all their resilience and creativity to challenge Los Blancos.

The matchup between Real Madrid and Atalanta in the Super Cup promises to be an intriguing contest. Real Madrid’s experience, depth, and star power contrast sharply with Atalanta’s tactical flexibility and underdog spirit. For Atalanta, this match represents another opportunity to prove themselves on the biggest stage, while for Real Madrid, it’s another chance to add to their already bulging trophy cabinet.

Ultimately, Real Madrid’s superior squad depth and experience in European finals make them the favorites. However, Atalanta’s journey to this point has been built on defying expectations, and they will undoubtedly give everything in their quest for another historic victory. As the two teams prepare to face off, the stage is set for a memorable clash that will showcase the best of European football.