Madrid's Real and Rayo Vallecano Squad Lists Reveal Ancelotti's Significant Alterations
Madrid's Real and Rayo Vallecano Squad Lists Reveal Ancelotti's Significant Alterations
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, will need to adjust his offensive strategy when they take on Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappe was showing promising form with impressive goals against Girona and Atalanta in his previous two outings. However, during the midweek Champions League match against Atalanta, Mbappe requested to be substituted after only 35 minutes. Subsequently, it was confirmed that he had sustained a thigh injury, which will keep him out of the Vallecas clash and potentially the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18.
Ancelotti assured the media at his pre-match press conference on Friday that Mbappe's injury isn't serious. He added that Mbappe would travel to Qatar to assess his fitness for the Intercontinental Cup.
Madrid's form has been a topic of debate this season, but thanks to FC Barcelona's stumble, they have a chance to reclaim the top spot by a single point if they defeat Rayo Vallecano. Ancelotti expressed that he is now more optimistic, especially considering their upcoming game against Valencia on January 3.
"Everyone's commitment, attitude, and individual quality were on display against Atalanta. It was a complete performance, giving us optimism for the future. We have to play well in our next game against Rayo Vallecano, followed by a crucial match against [some team] on Wednesday," stated Ancelotti.
Mbappe's absence necessitates changes in the attack. Despite both Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo being fit, Ancelotti won't deploy Vinicius on the left and Rodrygo in Mbappe's central striker position. Instead, Arda Guler will partner with Rodrygo in a 4-4-2 formation.
In midfield, Bellingham, Valverde, Modric, and Brahim Diaz will form a quartet. Aurelien Tchoumanei was expected to feature in central midfield, but he has been replaced by Toni Rudiger's partner, Tchouameni. The back four will consist of Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia on the right and left, attempting to protect Thibaut Courtois' goal.
Real Madrid's Starting XI vs Rayo Vallecano: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Fran; Bellingham, Modric, Valverde, Brahim; Guler, Rodrygo
In light of Mbappe's injury, FC Barcelona has a chance to narrow the gap at the top of La Liga by a point if they defeat Rayo Vallecano. Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo are available, but Ancelotti won't use Vinicius on the left and Rodrygo as a central striker. Instead, Guler will partner with Rodrygo in a 4-4-2 formation. Ancelotti's statement about the team's performance against Atalanta has boosted his optimism for the upcoming games, including the match against Rayo Vallecano and the potential Intercontinental Cup final. Despite Aurelien Tchoumanei's anticipated appearance in central midfield, an injury has forced Tchouameni to take his place.