As the countdown to Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg versus Arsenal begins, new claims from Rodra, as recounted by Madrid Xtra, suggest Carlo Ancelotti is planning something unexpected.
According to reports, Real Madrid’s manager experimented with an odd starting lineup during recent training ahead of this high-stakes match.
Dani Ceballos is the driving force behind this tactical adjustment. After recovering from his injury and appearing against Alaves, Ceballos is expected to start in the midfield.
Ancelotti is allegedly anxious to reintegrate him into the starting lineup, seeing him as a key player for the remainder of the season.
Madrid has clearly missed flow and control in the heart of the pitch without him, which the manager hopes to improve ahead of this match.
Defensive adjustments on the line
While Real Madrid’s focus will undoubtedly be to score at least four goals to keep their European hopes alive, Ancelotti is also paying great attention to defensive structure in order to avoid another defensive collapse.
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Raul Asencio was tested in the right-back position throughout the training session.
Although this may surprise some, it is worth noting that Asencio fared well there earlier this season.
Another attempt involved David Alaba playing left back during the session. With Ferland Mendy out due to an injury, Fran Garcia is the only natural choice for that position.
However, Alaba’s versatility makes him a reliable option. His experience in both central defence and full-back positions could give Ancelotti with the necessary balance.
Overall, Ancelotti tested the following lineup: Courtois: Asencio, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Alaba; Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Mbappe.
With a 0-3 deficit to overcome, Real Madrid will have to take risks, but Ancelotti is ensuring that those risks are measured, with new opportunities in critical positions.
Whether or not these changes will work remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ancelotti is preparing for any scenario.
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