Atalanta Bukan Lawan Enteng Real Madrid Di Piala Super Eropa

Real Madrid new star Kylian Mbappe has undergone training and is ready to appear against Atalanta in the European Super Cup. (X/@realmadrid)

Atalanta cannot be underestimated by Real Madrid. Thibaut Courtois goalkeeper warned that Atalanta was a dangerous opponent when the two teams met at the European Super Cup (UEFA Super Cup) at the Narowowy Stadium, Warszawa, Poland, Thursday, August 15, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Madrid, who won the Champions League, became a favorite. Meanwhile, Atalanta for the first time competed in the Super Cup. The success of winning the Europa League for the first time also brought the Italian Serie A club against Madrid.

Despite being seeded, Madrid did not take Atalanta lightly, Courtois said the two European champions' match would not be easy. Because Madrid are facing a team that plays offensively by pressing opponents in all areas of the game.

"Atalanta is a good team. They are able to press in every area of the game. We've faced them in Champions League matches. And, it wasn't an easy game," Courtois was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

"So, we had expected this to be a tough game. But we tried to win it. I'm sure we won," he said again.

Milan went on a pre-season tour as a warm-up event before competing in the 2024/2025 season competition. Madrid's achievements were not satisfactory because they lost against AC Milan and Barcelona. But Madrid. finally won 2-1 over Chelsea.

In preparation for the team, Madrid brought in French captain Kylian Mbappe for free because his contract at Paris Saint-Germain was over. In addition, young Brazilian striker Endrick joined. He also followed the United States when Los Merengues went on a pre-season tour.

However, Mbappe has not joined after strengthening France at Euro 2024. However, Mbappe will definitely appear in the European Super Cup. He has ended his vacation and joined the team.

Likewise, Jude Bellingham, who brought England to the final of Euro 2024, only joined when the team prepared themselves for La Dea.

Meanwhile, Brazil's duo, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes have already followed the US. They were also played in the match against Chelsea.

Atalanta herself made preparations by trying to fight AZ Alkmar, which ended in a 2-2 draw. They then suffered a 4-1 defeat against Parma. Before serving Madrid, Gian Piero Gasperini's team tried to fight Bundesliga 2 club St. Pauli.

Madrid's achievements are in stark contrast to Atalanta. Madrid is the most successful team in European competition. The Spanish La Liga giant has won the Champions League 15 times. They are recorded as winning the wide-early trophy the most.

Madrid have also won five times in the European Super Cup. Now, they are chasing the sixth trophy against Atalanta.

"We don't care about records. But this team has a lot of young players who really want to win trophies. This is what makes us want to win again. If we break records, this will be a bonus," Courtois said.

Last season, Courtois suffered an ACL injury which made the Belgian national team goalkeeper rest for a long time because he had to undergo surgery. He just recovered and was able to play well towards the end of the competition.

However Courtois won the trust of coach Carlo Ancelotti to appear in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. However, he was still dropped from the Belgium squad while competing at Euro 2024.