Real Madrid travels to the Italian city of Bergamo on Tuesday for a vital Champions League clash away to Serie A leaders Atalanta, with the club European future at stake.

Defeats to AC Milan, Lille and Liverpool in its first five group games have left the reigning European champion in 24th position in the 36-team group and in a very delicate situation.

Lucas Vazquez (R) and Aurelien Tchouameni (L) of Real Madrid vie with Bojan Miovski of Girona FC during the LaLiga football match between Real Madrid and Girona FC in Girona, Spain, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Only the top-eight sides qualify directly for the knockout stages of the tournament, with the teams finishing between ninth and 24th after the eight group games, forced into a play-off for the last eight places.

Real Madrid now does not look to have much of a chance of finishing in the top-eight, while anything other than a win against Atalanta could see it drop below 24th place and in real danger of going out of the tournament.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is able to recall Vinicius Jr to his squad after a hamstring injury and has also included Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo after injury scares.

Bellingham was forced off holding the inside of his thigh after an hour of Saturday's win in Girona, while Rodrygo pulled out of the game beforehand with a problem to his left leg, so it remains to be seen if they are fit rough to start on Tuesday night, if not, Arda Guler or Brahim Diaz both have chances of forcing their way into the starting 11.

Ferland Mendy hasn't traveled after suffering a muscle injury that will sideline him until the end of the year, so Fran Garcia will play at left back, with Lucas Vazquez on the right of defense, alongside Antonio Rudiger and either Raul Asencio or Aurelien Tchouameni. 

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