Real Madrid’s attacking quartet, once struggling to find chemistry earlier this season, has now become their greatest asset as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti remained patient, and the “fantastic four” — Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes — have finally come together, providing the spark Madrid need as they take on their city rivals.
The two teams meet today at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their Round of 16 clash, with the return match at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium on March 12.
However, Real Madrid will be without Bellingham, who is serving a suspension after accumulating three yellow cards, including one in the previous round against Manchester City.
Mbappe, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, has integrated into the squad alongside last season’s attacking trio, but it took time for him and the team to adapt.
Despite early struggles, Ancelotti’s tactical expertise helped him navigate challenges, like the seamless replacement of Karim Benzema with Bellingham last season, a move that proved effective in helping Madrid secure a Champions League and La Liga double.
While Real Madrid faced difficulties earlier in the season, they came alive in the crucial play-off round, taking on Manchester City.
Finally firing on all cylinders, they scored six goals over two legs, with Mbappe and Bellingham finding the net and Vinicius being named man of the match.
Mbappe also delivered a memorable hat-trick in the return leg at home, sealing a 6-3 aggregate victory.
With the attack now functioning at full capacity, Ancelotti is confident that this is the right setup moving forward. “This is where the season really starts,” he said, acknowledging the early challenges that have now been overcome.
He praised his attackers’ work rate, which had previously been a point of concern, as they demonstrated the commitment needed to succeed — something vital against a relentless Atletico Madrid side.
“We showed that with the right levels of commitment, we can do anything,” Ancelotti said after their win over Manchester City.
But despite their recent success, Ancelotti was quick to warn that Madrid’s loss to Real Betis in La Liga, where they lacked the necessary intensity, was a reminder that the work rate must remain high if they are to progress against Atletico.
Madrid, the most successful club in European history with 15 Champions League titles, are favorites to move past Atletico, whom they have previously beaten in the 2014 and 2016 finals. Much of Madrid’s hopes rest on Mbappe, who has been in superb form.
Ancelotti has even suggested that Mbappe has the potential to reach the heights of Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, should he continue to put in the work.
Mbappe, who struggled with confidence after missing key penalties late in 2024, has turned his form around, scoring 28 goals in 40 appearances, including seven goals in 10 Champions League matches.
His teammate Vinicius Junior, who has netted 18 goals in 36 games this season, praised Mbappe’s contributions, saying, “Kylian has arrived to help us, and we will help him become top scorer in every tournament.”
Bellingham’s absence was felt against Betis, and his suspension could prove challenging in the first leg against Atletico, but with the return leg coming up, Madrid will be eager to have him back.
The England international has become a vital link between the attack and defense, scoring 11 goals in 36 appearances this season after a slow start.
Rodrygo, who may not always steal the headlines, has quietly impressed with 13 goals in 38 games, often leaving defenders in his wake with his silky dribbling.
Bellingham has even lauded the Brazilian winger, calling him “underrated” and “probably the most talented and gifted player in the squad.”
With Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius, and Rodrygo all contributing at a high level, Real Madrid’s attack has the quality and pace to break through any defense.
But as Ancelotti knows, the key to success will not only be their attacking prowess but also their defensive contributions, which could determine the outcome of this highly anticipated double-header.
