Atalanta march into Tuesday’s Champions League showdown against Real Madrid brimming with confidence as the new Serie A leaders set their sights on making history. Gian Piero Gasperini’s red-hot side, fresh off a record ninth consecutive league victory, are genuine title contenders for the first time and are poised to challenge Europe’s 15-time champions in Bergamo.

“We’re playing Real Madrid at a pivotal moment, close to achieving our first Champions League objective, and perhaps we can aim for even more,” Gasperini remarked, remaining cautious despite some pundits labeling Atalanta as favorites. His team’s recent win over AC Milan propelled them to the top of Serie A, sparking chants of “We’re gonna win the league!” from jubilant fans.

Atalanta have also been a force in Europe, building on last season’s Europa League triumph with 11 points from five group-stage games. Their only blemishes—goalless draws against Arsenal and Celtic—came despite numerous chances to secure victory. Tuesday’s clash at the Gewiss Stadium offers a chance for redemption after a spirited but unsuccessful performance against Madrid in the European Super Cup in August.

With forwards Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Serie A’s top scorer Mateo Retegui leading their attack, Atalanta’s newfound ability to grind out results has set them apart. The team has conceded just one goal in five Champions League matches, making them a formidable obstacle for Madrid’s star-studded lineup, featuring Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham.

“These victories don’t happen by chance,” Gasperini emphasized. “This team fights to win until the very end, every time.”

For Real Madrid, the stakes are high as they look to reignite their campaign in a competition they’ve long dominated. But Atalanta, with the backing of their passionate home crowd, are determined to push Europe’s perennial kings closer to a shock elimination and strengthen their case for a top-eight finish.