The UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2024/25 season has been quite interesting with surprising teams in the leaderboard and some top teams outside the top 8 position. On Wednesday, Real Madrid faced Atalanta away from home. The game was evenly poised as the match ended with 2-3 in favour of the reigning UCL champions. The Los Blancos are currently placed 18th in the league table.
Madrid is still dealing with a troubling injury situation. With Kylian Mbappé joining the expanding list of players on the sidelines. The French forward suffered an apparent muscle injury during the encounter against Atalanta. Prompting him to be replaced in the 35th minute. Mbappé started the game in fine form, scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute with a fantastic play that put Real Madrid ahead 1-0.
However, his performance declined as the game went on. Around the half-hour mark, Mbappé collapsed on the pitch, prompting a substitute. He was replaced by Rodrygo, who went straight to the locker room, bypassing the bench. While his goal demonstrated his great talent, the injury derailed what could have been an outstanding showing. Mbappé’s injury has yet to be announced, although early indicators point to a muscle issue.
Real Madrid’s Pursuit of Glory Marred
Such injuries are worrying not just for the individual, but also for the squad, which already has a large number of absences. With Mbappé’s injury, Real Madrid now has seven players on the sidelines. Camavinga, Carvajal, Militão, and Alaba are now under treatment, causing the squad’s depth to be stretched. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to make frequent lineup changes as the club battles to retain its form in the face of these problems.
The setback comes at a critical time for Real Madrid, which has already had a difficult season due to injuries. Ancelotti faces additional challenges with uncertainty surrounding Mbappé’s status, despite the return of players such as Vinícius and Rodrygo. The squad will have to adjust fast to the absence of another top player while they await further information on the seriousness of his injury.
