Vinicius in Contention for Atalanta Clash, Confirms Ancelotti

On Monday, Carlo Ancelotti suggested Vinicius Junior could return for Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League match at Atalanta. Ancelotti informed reporters that Vinicius might start in Bergamo on Tuesday night despite being out since last month with a hamstring issue.

“Vinicius is healthy but needs evaluation. His training performance today is crucial, stated Ancelotti.

However, Rodrygo is back and Bellingham is excellent. His training is good. We’ll decide after they train today.” Federico Valverde wants Vinicius back to help Madrid recover from their Champions League woes.

Madrid may be two points behind Barcelona with a game in hand in La Liga, but Ancelotti’s team are 24th and risk missing the play-offs in Bergamo.

“It’s always a pleasure to play with Vinicius and also to have him as a friend, as a teammate, to have him close to me,” he remarked.

“We’ve witnessed his eagerness to play and return. His ability to play tomorrow is great for us. Carlo Ancelotti decides if he plays, but he can always contribute.”

Madrid face maybe the best team in Europe, Atalanta, which beat AC Milan on Friday to equal a club record nine straight Serie A wins.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, fifth in the Champions League with only one goal surrendered in five matches, have been considered as favourites for Tuesday’s meeting despite losing to Madrid in the European Super Cup.

“The game will be difficult. Since the Super Cup, Atalanta has progressed greatly “Ancelotti said.

They’ve won several games. And they compete well. These three games are our chance to score points and qualify.

What matters most is qualifying. Picking up those points will be difficult. It’s difficult to reach the top eight, so we may have to play off. So it is, unfortunately.” Gasperini said his club is not favourites and advised against arrogance against the 15-time European winners.

“No team can call themselves favourites when they’re playing Real,” remarked.

“We’re happy where we are, but saying we’re better than Real Madrid doesn’t help.

“We come into this match on an extremely gratifying run of results and all we can be is happy for what we’ve gifted our supporters.”