A starter against Real Betis on Matchday 26 of La Liga this Saturday, David Alaba delivered a poor defensive performance, even though Carlo Ancelotti defended him in front of the press. After Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat, Marca dropped a major announcement about the player.
Injured for over a year, David Alaba made his return to the Madrid squad last January. Previously an undisputed starter before his serious knee injury, the former Bayern Munich defender quickly regained Carlo Ancelotti’s trust, as the coach aims to reintegrate him into the team despite fierce competition in defence. While many expected him to ease back into action with short appearances to relieve the current starters, Alaba has already been named in the starting lineup twice in a week. However, his latest start against Real Betis on Saturday turned out to be a bitter one.
The Alaba-Rüdiger partnership failure
In a crucial match in the title race, David Alaba struggled. While he managed to block a few balls, the 32-year-old defender lost possession several times. On multiple occasions, he made risky challenges, committed fouls, and sent several long balls that failed to benefit Real Madrid. Paired with Antonio Rüdiger—another ageing player who lacks the speed of Raúl Asensio, currently Madrid’s best defender—Alaba clearly showed he was not ready. Substituted just before the hour mark, the Austrian defender is unlikely to start again anytime soon, at least in big matches.
At least, that’s what Marca is reporting. According to the Spanish daily, Carlo Ancelotti had doubts about the best defensive pairing for Real Madrid ahead of the crucial Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid. By fielding Rüdiger and Alaba, the 65-year-old coach was testing the partnership between two experienced veterans. However, like everyone else, he witnessed the monumental failure of this duo, which no longer looks fresh. Even though Alaba appears physically fit, he lacks the necessary sharpness and automatisms to handle big matches.
Good news for Raúl Asensio
Once again, Raúl Asensio’s unjustified absence proved costly for Real Madrid. Against a lively team with strong individual talent, the 21-year-old defender—who has already proven his worth—would have been a much better option. Stronger and faster than all of Madrid’s current defenders, Asensio is expected to return to the starting eleven against Atlético Madrid next Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. In any case, he has already demonstrated that he is a better option than both Rüdiger and Alaba.
Notably, every time Raúl Asensio has not played since his promotion to the first team, Real Madrid has suffered. The club’s three defeats in recent months all occurred when he was absent. Despite his young age, the academy product deserves much more respect and recognition. By insisting on relying on veteran players, Ancelotti risks damaging Real Madrid’s last hopes of winning trophies this season.
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