Left-back dilemma for Arsenal clash: Carlo Ancelotti chooses between David Alaba and Fran García. For once in this season’s Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti is facing a tough dilemma: who will play at left-back between Fran García and David Alaba in the first leg of the quarter-finals against Arsenal?
On Tuesday, Real Madrid will take on Arsenal in the Champions League. Having already eliminated Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the competition, Carlo Ancelotti’s side now face the Gunners in the quarter-finals. Missing several key players—namely Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, and Andriy Lunin—the Madrid coaching staff will have to make some bold decisions, especially at the back. In defence, specifically, a decision must be made at left-back due to the absence of Mendy, who is usually the first choice in that role.
Carlo Ancelotti leaning towards Fran García
In big matches, it is usually Ferland Mendy who, despite his inconsistent performances, holds the fort. Unfortunately, for the first leg against Arsenal, the French left-back will be unavailable due to a muscle injury he has been carrying for several weeks. To replace him, Ancelotti has a choice between Fran García and David Alaba. While Eduardo Camavinga often fills in at left-back, Tchouaméni’s absence in midfield forces the coaching staff to explore other options. Against Valencia last Saturday, David Alaba featured for a few minutes in the left-back role.
Already familiar with the position from his time at Bayern Munich, the Austrian defender was once again tested. According to reports, the Madrid coaches have decided to stick with Fran García, who, despite his short stature, is very mobile and plays an important role in attack. Initially tempted to start Alaba due to his aerial abilities, Carlo Ancelotti was ultimately unconvinced by the Austrian captain’s recent performances, particularly against Real Betis and Real Sociedad.
According to Diario AS and Defensa Central, Fran García has been given the green light by the technical staff. In preparation for the showdown against the Gunners, further tests will be carried out to help the young Spanish full-back better handle the pace and movement of the English attackers.
A breakthrough performance for Fran García?
It must be said—Fran García is facing one of the biggest challenges of his career. Overshadowed by Mendy since his arrival, the former Rayo Vallecano player has nonetheless put in some strong performances. Currently, among all the left-backs at the Bernabéu, he is the fastest and most threatening, thanks to his constant crosses and attacking runs. If he can keep Arsenal’s attackers at bay—particularly Bukayo Saka, who is quick and tenacious—Fran García will earn significant points in the eyes of the club’s leadership.
At a time when the team is struggling defensively, a standout performance would certainly be an opportunity to show Florentino Pérez that he is capable of holding down a starting spot at Real Madrid, potentially halting any plans to sign a new left-back. Fingers crossed—we’ll see what Madrid’s defence can deliver against Mikel Arteta’s side.
“We’ve lost the chance to fight for the league more convincingly. The match against Arsenal will be different, as they will attack more and we will need to be more solid. On top of that, we’ll need to be more clinical in front of goal,” warned Carlo Ancelotti in a press conference on Saturday evening following the frustrating defeat to Valencia on Matchday 30 of La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu. Let’s hope the team takes a step forward next Tuesday, with Fran García guaranteed a place in the starting eleven. We’ll see how he responds in a very challenging scenario.
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