Real Madrid stumble into crucial phase with a pressing issue for Carlo Ancelotti

Yahoo

07-02-2025

Real Madrid have faced persistent defensive injury challenges throughout the season. Unfortunately for Carlo Ancelotti, the situation has worsened at a critical point in the calendar.
Now, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, the Italian manager now faces the difficult task of reorganising his defence once again, especially in the face of two most important matches.
The absence of key players such as David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and the long-term injury of Eder Militao has left Ancelotti with limited options.
He must now rely on Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jacobo Ramon to form a makeshift defensive line.
This experimental setup will need to withstand the attacking firepower of Atletico Madrid in the upcoming derby and Manchester City in the Champions League play-off first leg on 11 February.
This predicament exposes two pressing issues for Real Madrid. Firstly, it highlights the club's lack of preparedness for injury-related emergencies.
Secondly, it underscores the risk of entrusting two of the season's most crucial matches to youth players and a midfielder playing out of position.
All signs indicate that Ancelotti will likely choose Asencio and Tchouameni as his primary defenders. Ramon's recent performance against Leganes did not provide enough confidence, making the Spanish-French duo the more reliable option.
They have at least played together this season, offering a semblance of familiarity and consistency.
February promises to be a defining month for Real Madrid. The team could either come out of it relatively unscathed or face significant setbacks. Much will depend on how well the makeshift defensive unit performs against two formidable opponents.
Ancelotti's ability to adapt and the resilience of his players will be tested to the fullest. Fans will be hoping that despite these challenges, Real Madrid can rise above adversity and maintain their competitive edge on all fronts.