The UEFA Super Cup was first played in 1972. However, it was until 1973 that UEFA officially recognized the first Super Cup game. That game was between Milan and Ajax, the Dutch won 6-1 over the Italians. Until almost the end of the 20th century, this cup was played in the two-legged format, but in 1997 the decision was made that the cup be won in a single day.

The European country with the most Super Cups is Spain with a total of 15 wins. The fifteen cups are distributed among five Spanish teams. The Zaragoza is the only team that failed to win the cup and they lost against Ajax in 1995. The last time a Spanish team won the Super Cup was Atletico Madrid in 2018.

However, Real Madrid tops the list by winning four titles in the last 20 years. Also followed by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid with three titles for each of them. On the other hand, Chelsea have won the latest 2021 edition.

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However, Let's have a better look at the last 20 super cup winners list.

Last 20 UEFA Super Cup winners list (2002-2021)

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Lionel Messi is on the exclusive list of the super cup scorers with three goals. Moreover, he holds the record of being the only player named man of the match twice in 2009 and 2015 with FC Barcelona. . Despite the fact that the Super Cup is a one time event. However, fans around the world are aware to watch the game from anywhere. It's an exciting event that has given some rivals a chance to play against each other before the start of the next season.

Hello and welcome to another UEFA Champions League night. Tonight, we will cover the exciting UEFA Champions League 2024-25 fixture of Atalanta vs Real Madrid at Stadio di Bergamo in Bergamo. 

Atalanta are playing some incredible football and even beat their fellow Champions League team from Italy, AC Milan. They matched their club record of nine consecutive wins in Serie A. Meanwhile, defending champions Real Madrid did not have a great start to the new format of the tournament and also had some ups and downs in La Liga as well. 

Read the full Atalanta vs Real Madrid match preview here. 

That is why we are expecting a great contest between these two clubs. So, sit back and relax as Koushik Biswas brings you all the updates on this important match in the Champions League from Sportz Point's web desk. 

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 is heading into its sixth match-week of the group phase as the qualification race is shaping up. The sixth match-week of the breathtaking UCL nights will commence with some nail-biting clashes on the very first matchday. Defending champions Real Madrid are going to take on a formidable Atalanta side at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy on 11 December 2024. The two teams recently faced off in the UEFA Super Cup Final in August, where Real Madrid won 2-0.

From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the League match of Atalanta vs Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. 

Match Details 

Match: Atalanta vs Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match

Date: 11 December 2024

Time: 1:30 AM IST

Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy 

How to watch the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match between Atalanta vs Real Madrid

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network. 

Team News

Atalanta

Atalanta have proved themselves as one of the most formidable sides to face this season, having won nine out of their last nine games across all competitions. The Nerazzurris have faced their last defeat against Como in the Serie A in September. Since then, Atalanta have beaten stalwarts such as Napoli, AS Roma, and AC Milan in the Serie A. Currently, they are leading the Serie A table with 34 points in 15 games. 

Atalanta are coming to their sixth UCL outing this season after back-to-back huge wins against AS Roma and AC Milan in their last game. They are remarkably one of three teams to stay undefeated so far in the Champions League this season. Atalanta is currently positioned 5th in the UCL table, having earned 11 points in 5 matches with 3 wins and 2 draws on the way. The Nerazzurris have won their last two UCL outings against Stuttgart and Young Boys, which will boost their confidence before taking on the reigning champions. 

🏃🔋🔥#AtalantaRealMadrid #UCL #GoAtalantaGo ⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/pLSLoLOJxx

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 9, 2024

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has the same squad from the AC Milan game at his disposal, and there can be some changes in the starting eleven as well. Gasperini still can not acquire the services of Gianluca Scamacca, Juan Cuadrado, and Giorgio Scalvini who are suffering from long-term injuries. Davide Zappacosta is on the squad but he is also doubtful for the game against Madrid.

I 22 convocati per la sfida ai Blancos ⚔️

Our squad list for tomorrow's clash 🔥#AtalantaRealMadrid #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/gx5GwI4p9Q

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 9, 2024

Atalanta are on a 9-match winning streak; which will surely be feared by the opponents and the Italian side will capitalize on their home advantage. They will also look for revenge for their defeat against Madrid in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup final in August. 

Last 5 Matches:  W W W W W 

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are in a turmoiled situation in the Champions League scenario this season, with 3 defeats in 5 games so far. However, no one can scrap them on a UCL night, especially when they are on the brink of despair. The Los Blancos always excel under pressure and they will try their best to do so after two consecutive defeats against AC Milan and Liverpool in the Champions League. 

🎯 #UCL 🎯
📺 INSIDE TRAINING 👉 #RMPlay
🔗 https://t.co/MzhEDGLTvC

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 9, 2024

Madrid are heading into the Atalanta game after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Girona in the LaLiga, as they are currently second in the league with 36 points in 16 matches. However, the face-off against Atalanta is a crucial game for the Blancos, as they are standing in the 24th position in the UCL table with 6 points in 5 games; with 2 wins and 3 defeats on the way. To elevate their chances of qualifying, Real Madrid must take three points from Gewiss Stadium tonight. 

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to field the starting eleven without the services of David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy who are all sidelined due to long-term injuries. 

📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
🆚 @Atalanta_BC#UCL pic.twitter.com/KShyrkhW1B

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 8, 2024

Real Madrid will leave no stone unturned to prove themselves again on the biggest stage of European club football. The team is familiar with their opponents tonight and they will try to replicate their performance from the Super Cup final.

Last 5 Matches: W L W L W 

Head-to-head 

Matches played: 3

Atalanta Wins: 0

Real Madrid Wins: 3

Draws: 0

Possible Playing XI

Atalanta

Marco Carnesecchi (GK); Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Sead Kolasinac; Raoul Bellanova, Marten De Roon, Ederson, Matteo Ruggeri; Charles De Ketelaere, Mario Retegui, Ademola Lookman

Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Federico Valverde, Aurelin Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Atalanta and Real Madrid: Fantasy XI Prediction

Courtois, Djimsti, Rudiger, Bellanova, Vazquez, Ruggeri, Valverde, De Ketelaere, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Lookman 

Real Madrid secured a vital victory at Montilivi, defeating Girona 3-0 to keep pace in the La Liga title race. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute, continuing his fine form with goals in five consecutive league games.

First Half

Girona started strongly but created few clear chances. Van de Beek’s early effort went over the bar, while Real Madrid began imposing themselves midway through the first half. Brahim Díaz came close in the 34th minute, forcing a sharp save from Gazzaniga. Moments later, Bellingham capitalized on a loose clearance to break the deadlock.

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Second Half

🙌 @KMbappe 🙌#GironaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/1rXP336KW2

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 7, 2024

Madrid intensified their attack after halftime, with Tchouaméni’s header and Güler’s strike testing Girona’s defense. Arda Güler doubled the lead in the 55th minute, calmly slotting home from Bellingham’s precise pass. Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory in the 62nd minute, finishing brilliantly from Luka Modrić's pinpoint through ball.

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Despite Gazzaniga’s heroics, Real’s relentless pressure was too much for the hosts. This commanding win keeps Madrid in the title race and highlights their offensive depth and clinical edge as they continue their strong league campaign.

The club will be excitedly heading into next week's Champions League match.

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Final Score

Real Madrid- 3 (Bellingham 36', Guler 55', Mbappe' 62)

Girona- 0

Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the restructured global club football competition will bring together 32 teams from across the world to vie for the title of world champions.

The draw, held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Miami, showcased an impressive lineup of continental and domestic champions from every corner of the globe.

Among the standout contenders are Spain's Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, Brazil's Botafogo, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions, and Egypt's Al Ahly, who are consecutive CAF Champions League winners.

New Format

Traditionally featuring six to eight teams, the FIFA Club World Cup will now adopt a new format, hosting the largest number of participants in its history. Teams earned qualification by winning their respective continental club tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League, and based on the confederations' four-year rankings.

South America (CONMEBOL) includes six teams, whereas Europe (whose confederation is UEFA) has twelve, making up the largest representation of the 32 teams.

There are four teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (AFC), and Asia (AFC).

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was given a spot, as the domestic champions of the host country, Oceania (OFC) got one spot as well. The top two from each of the 8 groups will advance to the knockout stages after a round-robin group stage.

The final will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on 13 July.

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FIFA Club World Cup Groups

When is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States of America.

How many teams will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

A total of 32 teams from 6 continents will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Kylian Mbappe has issued an apologetic statement on Instagram claiming responsibility for Real Madrid's frustrating 1-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in LalIga last night. Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala saved Mbappe's attempt from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, ruining a huge chance for Madrid to grab an equalizer. Following the defeat, Mbappe posted a message to the fans on Instagram to convey an apology. 

Kylian Mbappe has issued this message after #RealMadrid's 2-1 defeat at Athletic Club this evening (via IG). pic.twitter.com/IkGrQaG8zM

— Football España (@footballespana_) December 4, 2024

Real Madrid faces a tough defeat 

Real Madrid spoiled a golden opportunity to decrease the points gap between them and league-leaders Barcelona, who are currently atop with 37 points in 16 matches. Real Madrid has accumulated 33 points so far, playing one game less than their eternal rivals. 

🔚 FINAL I GOOOOOAAAAAAZEEEEEEEEEN!

Enorme victoria del Athletic sobre el @realmadrid en un auténtico partidazo en San Mamés.

👏 ZORIONAK, MUTILAK! #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/uOq8lnB1lo

— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 4, 2024

The match against Athletic Bilbao has been a rollercoaster ride for Los Blancos, as Kylian Mbappe's early goal was ruled out for offside in the 12th minute. Both teams failed to produce any goal in the first half. Alejandro Remiro scored in the 53rd minute to hand Bilbao the lead. 15 minutes later, Kylian Mbappe took the penalty in search of the equalizer but Julen Agirrezabala came out on top to deny his strike. Jude Bellingham found the equalizer in the 78th minute of the game, but all their efforts remained unfruitful as Gorka Guruzeta scored the winning goal for Bilbao, only two minutes after Bellingham found the net. 

Real Madrid have already faced 5 defeats across all competitions this season, compared to their two defeats in the whole 2023-24 season. Athletic Bilbao has also found the winning ways against Real Madrid since March of 2015. 

Mbappe's woes continue

What should have been a dream take-off, turned into a dreadful dream for Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar has struggled to find his form for the Los Blancos. Although he has scored 10 goals in 20 games across all competitions, it does not equal or surpass the calibre he once provided in PSG and France shirts. 

This penalty miss against Athletic is Mbappe's second missed penalty in his Real Madrid career, while the first one came last week against Liverpool in Madrid's Champions League outing. On the other hand, Mbappe found the in the 12th minute but the flag was up for offside. Mbappe has been caught offside 22 times so far this season including last night!

However, these lackluster and inconsistent performances from Kylian Mbappe since the start of this season have taken a toll on his mental health. According to L'Equipe's reports in November 2024, Kylian Mbappe has been dealing with a psychological problem and emotionally devastated. Antoine Simonneau, a correspondent for 'L'Equipe' in Madrid, revealed to Carrusel Deportivo that Mbappe is the focus of many people’s anger in France. 

Mbappe also faced an unpleasant experience while dealing with France's national team coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps dropped Mbappe from France's squad for their UEFA Nations League clashes against Israel and Italy in November due to his poor form. 

However, Mbappe has issued a message via his Instagram story and offered hope for the fans. He said:

"Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take FULL responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show WHO I AM”.

Ancelotti backs Mbappe

Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his confidence in Mbappe. However, he admitted that the French superstar has yet to showcase his utmost potential. 

"He is at a lot more than just 1% (of his potential), but he's not at his best," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"However, we have to give him time to adapt (to Real Madrid). He has scored 10 goals and is working hard to improve and to do better.

"I haven't spoken to him yet. It was a complicated, even, hard-fought, competitive game. We missed a penalty... I don't evaluate a player's game because of a missed penalty... sometimes you score and sometimes you miss. Obviously, he's sad, disappointed, but we have to keep going."

via The Business Standard