Clearly on his way out, Carlo Ancelotti is going all in to salvage his image. Under pressure, the 65-year-old coach is said to have decided to throw caution to the wind, and this Sunday, Endrick – whom he hasn’t really been using – is expected to start against Athletic Bilbao.
Tonight at the Bernabéu, the future of Real Madrid could very well be on the line – not only in the clash with Athletic Club, but also through the performance of young Brazilian prodigy Endrick. Just 18 years old, he has already caught the eye of Madrid fans and will have a genuine chance to shine. Having come on very early against Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, the former Palmeiras gem is once again expected to start – for the first time in such a high-stakes match.
Mbappé’s injury makes things easier
According to reports from AS, Endrick is set to replace Mbappé, who is unavailable for several reasons: a suspension after a red card received against Alavés and an ankle injury that puts his upcoming matches in doubt. The timing couldn’t be better for the young Brazilian, whose impressive statistics continue to make headlines.
Indeed, despite limited playing time this season, Endrick boasts a level of efficiency that far surpasses that of his teammates – and even Mbappé himself. With 7 goals in just 604 minutes, the young forward is averaging one goal every 86 minutes. To put that into perspective, Mbappé needs 124 minutes to find the back of the net, while Vinicius, Rodrygo and Bellingham are even further behind. This outstanding ratio reflects his clinical nature, and it’s clear that Endrick now has a golden opportunity to prove he deserves more responsibility within the squad.
Carlo Ancelotti wants to try everything before the end
Following the recent elimination against Arsenal in the Champions League, there are deep signs of sadness and disappointment. Wednesday night’s defeat not only highlighted Ancelotti’s tactical limitations, but also worsened tensions within the squad. Legends like Sacchi and Thierry Henry haven’t held back in their criticism of the Madrid players’ performances. In this situation, the 65-year-old coach has no choice but to shake things up, try new approaches, and above all, place his trust in the youngsters.
Clearly on the hot seat, the Italian manager has no intention of going down without a fight. A win over Bilbao this Sunday would help Madrid regain momentum ahead of Wednesday’s league clash with Getafe and the Clásico in the Copa del Rey final next Saturday. In this complex context, Ancelotti seems ready to bet on Endrick to spark a revival and keep the hopes of Madrid fans alive.
With his determination and ability to make a difference in very little time, the young Brazilian represents a breath of fresh air – a valuable asset for the final sprint of the season. And if Endrick does shine tonight, it could very well mark a turning point for Real Madrid. The prodigy’s performance might not only influence upcoming tactical decisions but also open up new prospects – especially if the club is set to welcome a new manager soon.
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