UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid’s ‘fantastic four’ face Atletico test

Real Madrid's array of attacking talents faced initial challenges in finding cohesion this season; however, coach Carlo Ancelotti maintained his confidence in them. Now, the "fantastic four" have emerged as the team's most formidable asset as they prepare to confront rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

On Tuesday, they will host Diego Simeone's Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of the last 16, with the return match scheduled at the Metropolitano Stadium on March 12.

The addition of French superstar Kylian Mbappe to last season's trio of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes required an adjustment period for both the former Paris Saint-Germain forward and the Madrid squad.

Unfortunately, Madrid will be without England international Bellingham for the first leg due to a suspension resulting from his yellow card accumulation during the play-off round against Manchester City.

Ancelotti has a history of addressing tactical challenges throughout his illustrious career. Last season, he effectively replaced forward Karim Benzema with Bellingham, a central midfielder, leading to significant success.

Real Madrid achieved a Champions League and La Liga double, but it has taken time for the team to fully integrate Mbappe into their system.

The team's early difficulties necessitated their participation in the new play-off round, where they faced the English champions, Manchester City. Now operating at peak performance, the holders scored six goals across the two legs.

Both Mbappe and Bellingham found the net against City, while Vinicius earned the man of the match accolade. Mbappe capped off the tie with an impressive hat-trick at home, securing a 6-3 aggregate victory.

The "fantastic four" have begun to flourish at a crucial juncture in the season.

"This is where the season truly begins," Ancelotti remarked, expressing his satisfaction with the current tactical arrangement despite the initial difficulties.

He praised the attackers' work ethic, having previously noted a lack of balance when they did not contribute sufficiently to defensive efforts.
Ancelotti emphasized that this aspect is crucial for achieving success this season, particularly against a determined and industrious Atletico side.

“It was a comprehensive display from the team in terms of our attacking play, demonstrating that with the appropriate level of dedication, we can accomplish anything,” Ancelotti remarked following the victory over City in Manchester.

However, that same level of commitment was absent when Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, as they prepared for the upcoming match against Atletico.

“If we perform like this, we will not secure a win on Tuesday,” Ancelotti cautioned after the loss to Betis.

– Analyzing the statistics –
The 15-time record champions of the premier European club tournament are favored to advance against Atletico, whom they defeated in the finals of 2014 and 2016, largely due to Mbappe’s impressive form.

Ancelotti noted that the French forward has the potential to match the legacy of Real Madrid's all-time leading scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, provided he maintains his work ethic.

Mbappe acknowledged reaching a low point after missing crucial penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao towards the end of 2024, which affected his confidence significantly.

He has since focused on regaining his form, achieving 28 goals in 40 appearances, including seven in ten matches in the Champions League.

“Kylian has come to support us, and we will assist him in becoming the top scorer in every competition,” Vinicius stated in January.

The Brazilian has netted 18 goals in 36 games this season, despite not yet reaching his peak performance level.

Vinicius shone in the latter half of last season, securing the runner-up position for the Ballon d’Or.

Bellingham's absence was keenly felt against Betis, and his suspension could pose a challenge on Tuesday; however, after missing several matches, he should be eager to perform at the Metropolitano next week.

His work ethic and skill are vital in connecting the attack and defense, and after a slow start to the season, Bellingham has contributed with 11 goals in 36 matches.

Rodrygo may not have the same star status as the other three forwards, but he...