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Real Madrid’s star-studded attack took time to solidify this season, but Carlo Ancelotti’s patience is paying off at the perfect moment.
The quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes—dubbed Madrid’s ‘fantastic four’—is now their greatest strength as they prepare for a crucial Champions League last-16 clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The first leg at Santiago Bernabeu will test Madrid’s firepower against Diego Simeone’s resilient Atletico before the return leg at the Metropolitano on March 12.
Mbappe’s arrival initially disrupted Madrid’s system, which had adapted brilliantly last season when Ancelotti replaced Karim Benzema with Bellingham in a more advanced role. That tactical switch helped Madrid secure a Champions League and La Liga double, but integrating Mbappe into the attack took time.
Madrid’s struggles forced them into the Champions League play-off round, where they met holders Manchester City.
However, their attack finally clicked, scoring six goals across both legs. Mbappe and Bellingham struck at City, with Vinicius named Man of the Match. Mbappe followed up with a hat-trick in the return leg, sealing a 6-3 aggregate win.
Ancelotti, now convinced of his front line’s potential, declared, “This is where the season starts.”
The coach, however, has emphasised that their defensive work is just as crucial—something that was missing in their 2-1 La Liga loss to Real Betis on Saturday.
Real Madrid, 15-time Champions League winners, remain favourites against Atletico, thanks in no small part to Mbappe’s resurgence.
After a low point late last year—marked by crucial penalty misses against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao—Mbappe regained form.
He has 28 goals in 40 appearances this season, including seven in 10 Champions League games. Ancelotti has even suggested the Frenchman has the potential to match Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy at the club.
Vinicius Junior, who has 18 goals in 36 games, is yet to hit his peak form but has a history of shining in the latter half of the season. His runner-up finish in last year’s Ballon d’Or proves his impact.
Meanwhile, Bellingham—fresh from suspension—has been crucial in linking attack and defence, contributing 11 goals in 36 matches.
Rodrygo, often the least heralded of the four, has 13 goals in 38 games and remains a vital creative force.
“So underrated… for me, he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad,” Bellingham said of the Brazilian winger.
With Madrid’s front line in full flow, Tuesday’s game offers the perfect test of their balance between attack and defence.
Atletico’s high-pressing, physical style will demand discipline and intensity—qualities Madrid lacked in their loss to Betis.
“With the right levels of commitment, we can do anything,” Ancelotti said after the win against City.
Now, Madrid’s ‘fantastic four’ must prove that statement true as they seek a crucial first-leg advantage against their city rivals.
