MADRID, March 3, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Real Madrid's galaxy of attacking stars initially 
struggled to gel this season, but coach Carlo Ancelotti kept faith and now the "fantastic four" 
are Los Blancos' greatest strength as they face rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

They host Diego Simeone's Atletico side on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu in the last 16 
first leg, with the return at the Metropolitano stadium across town on March 12.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe joined last season's trident of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior 
and Rodrygo Goes and both the former Paris Saint-Germain striker and Madrid's squad needed 
time to adapt to the change.

Madrid must cope without England international Bellingham in the first leg after his booking in 
the play-off round against Manchester City triggered a suspension for three yellow cards.

Ancelotti has solved tactical problems throughout his storied career. Last season he replaced 
forward Karim Benzema with Bellingham, a central midfielder, to great effect.

Real Madrid claimed a Champions League and La Liga double, but it has taken time to click with 
Mbappe.

Madrid's struggles forced them into the new play-off round, where they faced English 
champions Man City. Finally firing on all cylinders, the holders hit six goals over the two legs.

Mbappe and Bellingham scored at City and Vinicius was named man of the match. Mbappe then 
netted a brilliant hat-trick at home to seal a 6-3 aggregate victory.

Madrid's fantastic four have taken flight at just the right time.

"This is where the season really starts," said Ancelotti, finally convinced he has found the right 
set-up, despite the early teething problems.

He was delighted with the attackers' work-rate after previously criticising a lack of balance when 
they didn't work hard enough defensively.

Ancelotti said that was the key to potential success this season and it seems essential against 
an intense and hard-working Atletico.

"It was a complete performance by the team from an attacking point of view, and we showed 
that with the right levels of commitment, we can do anything," explained Ancelotti after beating 
City in Manchester.

That same sacrifice was lacking as Madrid lost 2-1 on Saturday against Real Betis in La Liga, with 
one eye on the Atletico clash.

"If we play like this we will not win on Tuesday," warned Ancelotti after the Betis defeat.

- Crunching the numbers –

The 15-time record winners of the top European club competition are favourites to progress 
against Atletico, whom they beat in the 2014 and 2016 finals, in no small part thanks to 
Mbappe's rich vein of form.

Ancelotti said the French striker had a chance of matching all-time Real Madrid top scorer 
Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy, as long as he worked hard.

Mbappe admitted hitting rock "bottom" after missing key penalties against Liverpool and 
Athletic Bilbao towards the end of 2024, seeming extremely low on confidence.

He knuckled down to find his form and boasts 28 goals in 40 appearances, with seven in 10 in 
the Champions League.

"Kylian has arrived to help us and we will help him become top scorer in every tournament," 
said Vinicius in January.

The Brazilian has scored 18 times in 36 games this season despite not hitting his best level.

It was in the second half of last season that Vinicius excelled, earning the runner-up spot on 
the Ballon d'Or podium.

Bellingham was badly missed against Betis and his suspension could be a problem on Tuesday, 
although after missing several games he should be raring to go at the Metropolitano next week.

His work-rate and quality helps link the attack and defence and, after firing blanks at the start of 
the season, Bellingham has been chipping in with goals, notching 11 goals in 36 matches.

Rodrygo may have less of a star billing than the other three attackers, but has 13 goals himself 
in 38 games and leaves opponents for dead with his slick dribbling.

"So underrated... for me he's probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad," 
said Bellingham of the Brazilian winger.

Between the four of them Madrid have enough skill and speed to break through any defence, 
although Ancelotti insists it is the way they contribute defensively that could lead to either glory 
or defeat in the double-header.