Atalanta director Umberto Marino assures they will ‘not change our philosophy’ against Real Madrid, playing with ‘humility and courage.’
The second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off at 20.00 GMT after the first leg ended 1-0 for the Spaniards.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
Atalanta director Umberto Marino assures they will ‘not change our philosophy’ against Real Madrid, playing with ‘humility and courage.’
The second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off at 20.00 GMT after the first leg ended 1-0 for the Spaniards.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“These are special games against iconic clubs on the world stage like Real Madrid, the players give 110 per cent without being pushed,” Marino told Sky Sport Italia.
“Real Madrid have some players with incredible experience in this competition, who missed the first leg, so of course it’ll be tough.
“Atalanta’s philosophy does not change. We come here aware we’ve had a wonderful journey, that we deserve to be here and we’ll try to make life difficult for Real Madrid with great humility and courage.”
On March 16, 1988, Atalanta drew 1-1 away to Sporting Lisbon and qualified for the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final.
That remains the highest point in their European history, although they came very close to achieving it in the Champions League last season, only minutes away from eliminating PSG.
“That was a different level and a completely different type of football. As I said, we earned our place in the Champions League Round of 16, the people saw Atalanta play attacking and beautiful football, so we’ll try to continue that tonight.
“Real Madrid are always Real Madrid, but with humility and courage, we’ll try to maintain our philosophy.”
This fixture is not played at the Bernabeu, but at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano training ground, so that takes some of the pressure off Atalanta.
“It’s true, you do feel a bit confused, as you expect a different arena. It’s still a moment of great prestige for our history against an iconic club. We’ll have a go.”