With less than a week to go until the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal at the Bernabéu, Carlo Ancelotti has a pressing need to deliver results if he hopes to salvage Real Madrid's season. For this crucial match, two key choices must be made to improve the team.
Even though there's a league match this Saturday, the news surrounding Real Madrid clearly concerns the Champions League second leg against Arsenal. Soundly beaten in the first leg (3-0) at the Emirates Stadium, the Madrid team is actively preparing for a comeback, which nevertheless seems difficult to achieve. Especially given the performances of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, hopes are slim. Even if the task looks quite daunting and improbable, the Madrid team believes in it.
Carlo Ancelotti: The two fatal mistakes to avoid against Arsenal in the return leg
Moreover, according to reports, the ultras are preparing an unprecedented welcome for Carlo Ancelotti's team, before and during the match. While things are getting busy on the fans' side, the coach and his colleagues are honing plans to field a winning team. And judging by the team's appearance last Tuesday, some major changes are in order, particularly in midfield.
The mandatory return of Ceballos and Tchouaméni
Carlo Ancelotti: The two fatal mistakes to avoid against Arsenal in the return leg
Indeed, in the first leg, Madrid's midfield was in a state of flux, especially in the second half. With Camavinga and Luka Modric much more preoccupied with defensive duties, the forwards had very few dangerous balls. Fortunately, for the return leg next Wednesday, two key reinforcements will be present, notably Dani Ceballos, who has resumed training with the squad, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, back from suspension.
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After leaving the Merengue midfield orphaned in the hands of veteran Modric, who no longer has the 20-year-old legs to perform the sprints required by Arsenal's game, Ceballos and Tchouaméni will provide a sigh of relief. Next Wednesday, Carlo Ancelotti will simply have to rely on these two key players, in addition to Jude Bellingham, in midfield. With Camavinga suspended for the return leg, the only thing that would prevent Aurélien from starting would be an unexpected injury, which must be avoided this Saturday in the league.
Valverde still in defense
As for Ceballos, he should replace Modric, who struggled greatly against Mikel Arteta's young and solid midfielders in the first leg. It would be a big mistake to put Federico Valverde back in midfield and abandon the right side of the defense to Lucas Vázquez. As in the first leg, Ancelotti should relaunch Fede in defense, alongside Rüdiger and Asensio. On the left side of the defense, Fran García would be a good option to replace David Alaba, who once again disappointed at left-back.
Carlo Ancelotti: The two fatal mistakes to avoid against Arsenal in the return leg
Up front, it might be wise to try benching one of the three usual strikers and introducing Brahim Diaz. With his striking speed and ability to slip into tight spaces, the Moroccan player could cause problems for the Gunners. It's worth noting that this option remains almost unthinkable for Carlo Ancelotti. Barring a change of fortune, Vinicius, Mbappé, and Rodrygo will start up front.
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In summary, Ancelotti is not expected to relaunch Modric and Alaba next Wednesday.