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Ademola Lookman and Atalanta are set to host a depleted Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage
Argentine World Cup winner Papu Gomez has expressed confidence in his old club’s ability to overcome Real Madrid in their upcoming Champions League clash.
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With Atalanta in top form both domestically and in Europe, the former Atalanta star believes the Italian side has what it takes to hurt the Spanish giants.
Gomez praises Atalanta’s depth and midfield maestro
Atalanta’s surge to the top of Serie A has been a testament to their depth and overall quality, and Gomez highlighted the improvements in squad depth since his time in Bergamo, noting that the current team boasts at least 16 players capable of starting, compared to the 12-13 key starters during his tenure.
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One standout player, according to Gomez, is Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who he considers among the top 10 midfielders in Europe.
"Ederson is a fantastic player with unique skill sets," said Gomez, adding, "He’s fundamental to Atalanta today."
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Since joining from Salernitana, Ederson has become a critical component of Atalanta’s midfield, filling the void left by former stalwart Remo Freuler.
His performances have drawn attention from elite clubs, including Manchester City, showcasing his rising profile on the European stage.
Real Madrid’s vulnerabilities give Atalanta hope
Atalanta’s Champions League journey so far has been impressive, including a stalemate against Arsenal and a current tally of 11 points from five matches.
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Ahead of Tuesday’s tie at the Gewiss Stadium, Gomez pointed to Real Madrid’s recent injury struggles and other vulnerabilities as reasons for optimism.
“They can hurt anyone, not only Real Madrid. The Merengues are not at their best,” Gomez stated, referencing injuries and the Spanish club's difficulty adapting to man-on-man tactics.
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He also warned Atalanta about the importance of preparing for Real Madrid’s long balls and vertical play, which could exploit space for star attackers like Vinícius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
With Atalanta hosting the 14-time Champions League winners, Gomez is confident his former team, led by stars like Ademola Lookman, can rise to the occasion. As he put it, “The team is there and wants to fight for all targets,” leaving fans in Bergamo hopeful for another memorable European night.
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