As Real Madrid played their final match of 2024 against Sevilla FC last Sunday, a bold decision by Carlo Ancelotti for this game has been clarified. The revelation is humiliating for two players ahead of the 2025 restart.
Real Madrid are on a break, just like other Spanish clubs. Before the year 2025 begins, Carlo Ancelotti’s players are enjoying a few days off to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with their families. Before heading to their respective countries or holiday destinations, Carletto’s men played the 18th round of La Liga on Sunday against Sevilla FC at the Santiago Bernabéu. In this crucial match, which ended in a 4-2 victory for Los Blancos, the Italian coach surprised everyone by starting two French midfielders in defence.
The tough decision for Ferland Mendy and Fran García
This, of course, refers to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who played alongside Antonio Rüdiger in central defence, and Eduardo Camavinga, who started on the left side of the defence. Despite having two natural left-backs available in his squad, Carlo Ancelotti chose to deploy the former Stade Rennais midfielder as a left-back to neutralise Lukebakio, Sevilla’s key attacking threat. Following the victory, which featured an impressive performance by Camavinga and his teammates, Relevo clarified the technical staff’s strong choice.
According to revelations by the Spanish outlet, the 2024 Coach of the Year—awarded at the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best Awards—remains unconvinced by his two regular left-backs. After testing Fran García as a replacement for Ferland Mendy, whose early-season performances were unconvincing, Don Carlo realised the fragility of both players. While Fran initially fared well, the Spanish left-back struggled significantly against Rayo Vallecano in the 17th round (3-3).
To cut to the chase, Ancelotti and his staff decided to rely on Camavinga, who has already filled in at this position, despite it not being his natural role. Considering the threat posed by Sevilla’s left winger, there was no room for risks with Ferland Mendy and García. It must be said that this is undoubtedly bad news for the two presumed starters on Real Madrid’s left flank.
Carlo Ancelotti ready to repeat in 2025
After Eduardo Camavinga delivered a standout performance, including an assist, and completely shut down Lukebakio—forcing him to switch flanks to score in the second half—Real Madrid’s head coach is unlikely to alter his plans for the New Year, particularly in high-stakes matches. It must be acknowledged that while the Merengues’ defence showed numerous weaknesses during the first half of the season, the struggles of Ferland Mendy and Fran García played a significant role. Against Lille, Barça, and Liverpool, dangerous attacking plays from the opposition mainly originated from that flank.
Until Alphonso Davies’ expected arrival, Eduardo Camavinga is set to play a key role in the second half of the season, stepping in during critical matches. This bold move by the 65-year-old Italian coach could resolve Real Madrid’s defensive issues. Despite being only 22 years old, Camavinga rarely disappoints. Every time he has been deployed in defence, the French international has delivered solid performances. 2025 promises to be thrilling.
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