Real Madrid usually deliver in the Champions League when the pressure is on and their trip to face Atalanta today is shaping up to be a crucial clash for the troubled holders.
The record 15-time winners have lost three of their first five matches and find themselves 24th in the standings, with places 25 to 36 eliminated at the end of the group phase.
Carlo Ancelotti's side travel to Bergamo this week before hosting RB Salzburg and then visiting French outfit Brest with their future in the competition on the line.
In-form Atalanta lead Serie A and have not been beaten yet in the Champions League, sitting fifth.
Madrid, meanwhile, have been beset by a string of problems including adaptation difficulties for superstar summer signing Kylian Mbappe and several key players sidelined through injury.
Denne historien er fra December 10, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Denne historien er fra December 10, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
City can regain focus in Italy
There's a spicy brew on the boil for TAB soccer customers with UEFA and CAF Champions League games, plus a raft of big-gun league matches included in TAB soccer pools - and TAB is pumping in over R700,000 into five bets in added-cash bonuses and a carryover.
Lui looks to close gap on leaders
Francis Lui went a long way to boosting his trainers' championship defence with a four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday and the affable horseman takes a team of three to Happy Valley today as he aims to keep the ball rolling.
Candice, set for a double
Candice Bass-Robinson may be going into this year's Cape summer season without her star colt Charles Dickens, but the stable looks to have some very decent stock in the yard and they should be in for a bounty of winners over the next few months.
Cocomelon looks ready to notch a second win
FORM: TARRY'S FILLY LOOKS WELL WEIGHTED TO SCORE ON VAAL CLASSIC TRACK
Hilux rejuvenated
48V: ELECTRICAL ASSISTANCE TRANSFORMS BAKKIE
Ideal Chery for every occasion
TIGGO 7 PRO: ROAD TRIP TO COAST THE ULTIMATE TEST
Jetour X70 Plus value for money
DRIVE: TRANSLATORS, ENGINEERS MUST FINE TUNE STUFF
Ford backs Dark Horse
MUSTANG: SHARPEST AND MOST AGILE PRODUCTION VERSION EVER MADE
A JACK OF ALL TRADES
FIRST T20: LINDE SHINES WITH BAT AND BALL AS PROTEAS TOPPLE PAKISTAN
Have Blitzboks turned corner?
A strong start to the 2024-25 Sevens World Series has raised hopes that the Blitzboks have turned the corner after a difficult couple of years, but it could very well be a false dawn as has been the case in previous seasons.
