Ancelotti Given Numerous Boosts to Depleted Madrid Squad
Real Madrid, under the tactical guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, finds themselves in an intriguing position as they prepare for the upcoming Madrid derby against Atlético de Madrid. Following a challenging Copa del Rey match where Los Blancos experienced difficulty overcoming Leganés to secure a semi-final spot, the attention swiftly turns to La Liga. The squad, though depleted in certain defensive areas, is buoyed by a series of key player returns, setting the stage for a highly competitive encounter.
Recent Challenges and Upcoming Derby
In the wake of their Copa del Rey match, the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu is charged with anticipation. Ancelotti and his team are gearing up for a crucial league clash as they face off against Atlético Madrid, the second-placed team in La Liga. The stakes could not be higher. Real Madrid must secure all three points not only to stay at the top of the league but also to open a more comprehensive gap over their closest rivals.
Historically, recent matchups between these two teams have produced mixed results for Real Madrid. Notably, the team has not beaten Atlético at home in La Liga since December 2021. A victory remains paramount, particularly with Atlético having secured a draw in each of their league visits to the Bernabéu since that December clash. The challenge ahead is daunting but not insurmountable, particularly with the reinforcements coming Ancelotti’s way.
Encouraging Returns: The Reinforcements
Ancelotti is set to reintegrate several key players who missed the Copa del Rey encounter back into the squad against Atlético. Among those returning are goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and defenders Lucas Vázquez and Eduardo Camavinga. Most notably, the attacking talents of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham also return to the fold, adding significant firepower to the squad.
The return of these five players is a welcome sight for a team currently experiencing significant defensive absences. Ancelotti, however, faces the ongoing challenges presented by injuries to pivotal defenders. David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger remain sidelined, while Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal are dealing with long-term injuries. On a slightly positive note, Militão has been spotted on the training pitch recently, suggesting a possible return in the near future.
Defensive Restructuring
In light of the injuries, Ancelotti will need to adapt his defensive setup. The expected partnership in the center of defense for this crucial derby will involve Aurélien Tchouaméni dropping back from his usual midfield role to partner with Raúl Asencio, who will make his Madrid derby debut. Ancelotti’s lineup adjustments highlight the tactical flexibility he champions.
A notable area of uncertainty remains the left-back position. Fran García appears to hold a slight edge over Ferland Mendy in training performances, positioning him to start against Atlético. Mendy, meanwhile, may be saved for a more significant test in the upcoming Champions League knockout tie against Manchester City.
In midfield, Ancelotti appears keen to employ a physically robust pairing of Federico Valverde and Dani Ceballos to combat Atlético’s midfield trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Julián Barrios, and Koke. Depending on the flow of the match, Modrić and Arda Güler could be called upon from the bench to provide fresh legs and creativity.
A Dynamic Attack
The attack for Real Madrid against Atlético is expected to feature some high-profile players. Leading the front line will be Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé, and Rodrygo, collectively responsible for a remarkable 62 of Madrid’s 93 goals this season. Out of this attacking quartet, only Rodrygo started in the Copa match against Leganés, while Vinícius was introduced later in the game. Both Bellingham and Mbappé were rested to ensure they were in tip-top condition for the high stakes of the derby.
For Mbappé, this derby represents a significant milestone—his first appearance in a Madrid derby in Real Madrid colors, after missing the previous encounter in September due to injury. On the other hand, Bellingham brings mixed history into the match, having recorded only one win and two draws against Atlético in five meetings, accompanied by no goals scored against a typically resolute Diego Simeone side.
Projected Starting XI
Taking all factors into account, Ancelotti’s expected starting eleven for the Madrid derby is as follows:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Thibaut Courtois |
| Right Back | Lucas Vázquez |
| Centre Back | Aurélien Tchouaméni |
| Centre Back | Raúl Asencio |
| Left Back | Fran García / Ferland Mendy |
| Midfield | Federico Valverde |
| Midfield | Dani Ceballos |
| Forward | Rodrygo |
| Forward | Jude Bellingham |
| Forward | Vinícius Júnior |
| Forward | Kylian Mbappé |
This lineup represents a mixture of experience and youth, with Ancelotti tasked with maximizing the efficiency of every player on the pitch.
Bench Strength and Tactical Flexibility
Should the situation on the pitch demand adjustments, Ancelotti has a wealth of options available on the bench. Luka Modrić and Brahim Díaz can both offer crucial contributions, especially when considering the dynamic nature of derby games. Furthermore, young talents such as Endrick and Gonzalo can also provide additional attacking depth.
The squad for the derby additionally features two goalkeepers: Andriy Lunin and Sergio Mestre, alongside defenders like Jesus Vallejo, Ferland Mendy (or Fran García), and midfielders Camavinga and Arda Güler. This tactical depth showcases Ancelotti’s capability to read the game and make informed changes as required.
The Stakes of the Derby
The upcoming Madrid derby is pivotal for both clubs, not just in the immediate ramifications of the league standings but also in momentum building toward the closing stages of the season. Real Madrid’s status as league leaders is under threat, and a win could consolidate their position and help dispel any lingering doubts regarding their title ambitions amid injury struggles.
For Atlético, winning the derby and claiming all three points could position them well in the race for the title, making their pursuit more enticing. The rivalry is intense, and the stakes are high, ensuring that both clubs will be fully committed in search of victory.
Conclusion
With Carlo Ancelotti back at the helm, Real Madrid appears poised to face Atlético Madrid with renewed vigor. The squad boasts significant talent, particularly with the return of several key players, who will undoubtedly play decisive roles in the derby.
As fans flood the Santiago Bernabéu in anticipation, both teams will need to have their strategies finely tuned, as every second and every decision will count in a match defined by its passion and rivalry. The return of vital players provides Madrid with optimism, but only time will tell if they can overcome the challenges presented by Atlético in another chapter of this storied rivalry.
For More Information
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To learn more about Real Madrid, visit the official club website.
For a glimpse into Real Madrid’s preparations, check out this YouTube video.
As the tension mounts and day turns to night on derby day, let us embrace the spectacle of one of football’s greatest rivalries that exemplifies both excellence and heart.
Feature image Credit: Google.com/en.as.com
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