Federico Valverde admitted it was “hard” to see Real Madrid struggling in Europe – a situation they are “not used to” – as the Champions League holders prepare to face Atalanta on Tuesday.

Madrid sit 24th in the league stage table, the final qualifying spot for the playoff round, after a difficult start to the season that included defeats to Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool.

As a result of these results, the LaLiga giants have only taken six points from five Champions League games ahead of their last three league phase games against Atalanta, Salzburg and Brest.

“It’s tough, of course,” midfielder Valverde said in a press conference in Bergamo on Monday when asked how it felt to see Madrid in 24th place in the 36-team table. “We are not used to moments like this at this club. We are used to being at the top and being calmer in this competition. But it’s part of football, part of the process, we have to work hard.”

Madrid have struggled with a number of injuries this season, with defenders Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal being the two main long-term casualties.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said strikers Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo would both undergo fitness tests in training on Monday to determine their use against Atalanta.

Vinícius suffered a hamstring injury last month while Rodrygo missed Saturday’s 3-0 league win at Girona.

“Vinícius is fine,” said Ancelotti. “We have to evaluate him. Today’s training session will be important, also for Rodrygo. (Jude) Bellingham is doing well, fully recovered (from Saturday). The only two doubts are Vinícius and Rodrygo. You will train.” and then we will decide.

Ancelotti praised Bellingham, who has scored five goals in his last five LaLiga games after failing to score in the first three months of the season.

“(Bellingham) hasn’t changed much,” Ancelotti said. “The shape of the team has changed. We play better up front with more mobility and he takes advantage of that. He’s scoring again, but his attitude on the pitch hasn’t changed, offensively and defensively he’s contributing, even if he does. “I don’t score points in every game.

The coach also confirmed that Endrick and Arda Güler would not be leaving Madrid on loan in January and asked for “patience” with the two young talents.