Real Madrid will face Atlético Madrid in just a few hours in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. For this crucial match, two of Carlo Ancelotti’s players are not at 100%.
After being beaten last weekend in the league, Real Madrid returns to the Champions League with a sense of dread. Following the catastrophic performance of Carlo Ancelotti’s team at Real Betis, managed by Isco Alarcón, it’s time for a wake-up call. While things are becoming more complicated in La Liga, the Madrid side will need to bring their best game to overcome Atlético Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu this Tuesday. For this match, the coaching staff will have to contend with two significant absences in midfield, notably Jude Bellingham (suspended) and Dani Ceballos (injured).
Two players under intensive care before facing Atlético
Aside from these key absences, Carlo Ancelotti will be working with players in poor form. As with the Manchester City match, the coaching staff is expected to rely on Federico Valverde, who has been struggling with adductor problems. Due to the defensive weakness with Lucas Vázquez, the Uruguayan number 8, who has missed the last three matches, will play as right-back against Atlético Madrid. According to Relevo, the medical staff is working hard to alleviate Valverde’s pain, as he himself is determined to help.
Beyond the Madrid midfield, Antonio Rüdiger is another player drawing attention. Having been struggling with a leg injury for a few weeks, the defensive rock is not at 100%. Always wearing a bandage to ease the load on the joint, the 32-year-old will attempt to stop Atlético’s attackers this Tuesday, even though he’s not in peak form. In the 26th round of La Liga last Saturday, Rüdiger clearly showed his lack of form with a concerning performance. Unable to sprint, the former Chelsea player lost many duels.
Despite this poor form, he will indeed be in the starting XI for Madrid on Tuesday against Atlético. Given David Alaba’s disastrous performance against Betis, Carlo Ancelotti has no choice but to go with Rüdiger and Raúl Asensio in the centre-back positions. Once again, the medical staff is working tirelessly to ensure the German defender feels better during this fiercely contested match. These aren’t exactly positive developments, but Real Madrid will have to make do. Let’s hope the outcome is worth the players’ sacrifices.
Leave a Reply