Federico Valverde Opens Up About Real Madrid’s Unfamiliar Champions League Struggles
It’s not every day you hear a Real Madrid player admit that the club is struggling, but that’s exactly what Federico Valverde did ahead of their crucial Champions League clash against Atalanta. The reigning Champions League holders find themselves in an uncharacteristic position, sitting 24th in the league phase standings—just barely clinging to the final qualifying spot for the playoff round. For a club synonymous with European dominance, this is unfamiliar territory.
“It’s tough, obviously,” Valverde said during a news conference in Bergamo on Monday. “At this club, we aren’t used to these moments. We’re used to being near the top and being more calm in this competition. But it’s part of football, part of the process, we have to work hard.”
Real Madrid’s Rocky Road in Europe
Madrid’s campaign has been anything but smooth. Losses to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool have left the LaLiga giants with just six points from five games. With three league phase matches remaining—against Atalanta, Salzburg, and Brest—Madrid’s margin for error is razor-thin.
For a club that has lifted the Champions League trophy a record 14 times, being 24th in a 36-team table is a stark contrast to their usual dominance. Injuries have played a significant role in their struggles, with key defenders Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal sidelined long-term. The absence of these defensive stalwarts has left coach Carlo Ancelotti scrambling to find solutions.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Atalanta Clash
As if the situation wasn’t challenging enough, Madrid’s attacking options are also in question. Both Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are racing against time to be fit for Tuesday’s game. Vinícius has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last month, while Rodrygo missed Saturday’s 3-0 league win over Girona.
“Vinícius is fine,” Ancelotti said. “We’ll have to evaluate him. The training session today will be important, and for Rodrygo too. [Jude] Bellingham is fine, he’s recovered completely [from Saturday]. The only two doubts are Vinícius and Rodrygo. They’ll train and then we’ll decide.”
Bellingham Back in Form
One bright spot for Madrid has been the resurgence of Jude Bellingham. After a slow start to the season, the English midfielder has found his scoring touch, netting five goals in his last five LaLiga appearances. Ancelotti credited the team’s improved form up front for Bellingham’s recent success.
“[Bellingham] hasn’t changed much,” Ancelotti explained. “The team’s form has changed. We’re playing better up front with more mobility, and he’s taking advantage of that. He’s scoring again, but his attitude on the pitch hasn’t changed. Offensively and defensively, he contributes, even if he doesn’t score in every game.”
Patience with Young Talents
Amid the challenges, Ancelotti also addressed the futures of young stars Endrick and Arda Güler. The coach confirmed that neither player would be leaving on loan in January, urging fans and the media to exercise patience as the duo continues to develop.
What’s Next for Madrid?
With their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, Madrid’s next three games will be pivotal. Here’s what lies ahead:
- Atalanta: A must-win game to regain momentum in Europe.
- Salzburg: Another tough test against a team known for its high-energy style.
- Brest: A chance to close out the league phase on a high note.
For a club of Madrid’s stature, anything less than advancing to the knockout stages would be considered a failure. But as Valverde said, this is part of football. The question now is whether Los Blancos can rise to the occasion and remind the world why they’re the kings of Europe.
Originally Written by: Alex Kirkland
