Real Madrid face a perilous match this Wednesday against RB Salzburg in the Champions League. Without Lucas Vazquez, their only confirmed right-back, Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly decided to deploy his all-purpose player in this position.
With only 9 points from six games, Real Madrid cannot afford any further mistakes in the Champions League. Following significant missteps in UEFA’s flagship competition during the first half of the season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side must completely turn the tide to have any real hope of challenging for the trophy. For this crucial match, several notable absences must be taken into account. While Camavinga, Carvajal, and Militao are sidelined with injuries, Lucas Vazquez will also miss this game due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Federico Valverde: Carlo Ancelotti’s choice
As the only right-back in the first team following Dani Carvajal’s severe injury, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season, Vazquez’s absence leaves Real Madrid in a difficult situation for this seventh-round Champions League qualifier. Not fully convinced by reserve players like Aguado, who might step in against RB Salzburg tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu, Carlo Ancelotti has opted to place his trust in Federico Valverde.
Likely due to the high stakes of the match and his desire to field players already experienced in top-level competition, the Madrid coach is expected to deploy the Uruguayan midfielder as a right-back. At least, this is what the daily Marca reports, noting that Raúl Asensio, another defensive option since November, will partner with Rüdiger in central defence. Despite David Alaba’s return to the first team, Carlo Ancelotti will take no chances.
It must be said that Real Madrid’s squad is severely limited this season due to injuries. With club executives unwilling to spend at every turn to maintain the club’s financial stability, the team is forced to make do until the end of the season, when new players can be brought in. In any case, a defeat this Wednesday against the Austrians, who claim to have the formula for pulling off an upset at the Bernabéu, would be a heavy blow for the team and coaching staff.
Currently 22nd in the overall Champions League standings, Real Madrid must win to move within one point of the top 8 (which grants direct qualification for the round of 16).
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