Madrid Derby Lineup: Ancelotti Makes Four Adjustments for Real versus Atletico
In a thrilling Champions League showdown, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is all set to shake up his squad when they face Atletico Madrid, in an expectedly tense clash on Wednesday. The second leg of the last 16 tie will be held at the Metropolitano, with Real Madrid carrying a 2-1 advantage, gained from the first meeting at the Bernabeu.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Ancelotti was asked if this match would signify a "cycle" for Real Madrid. He responded, "It allows us to continue dreaming in this competition, as in the past. It's a more complicated round of 16 than other years, but we are confident."
With Atletico Madrid, just a point behind Real Madrid in La Liga, the question was raised whether there is "equality" between the two teams, despite the UCL being the record holder and current champion's territory. Ancelotti replied, "Duels against Atletico have always been competitive, sometimes they have won, other times we have won... It will be competitive."
After the penalty shootout decided the 2016 title between the two rivals, Ancelotti was asked about his approach to such situations. “We want to play in the quarterfinals whoever it is,” he said. “Repeating a penalty is complicated in training. We are clear about who would go in case of a shootout. In training, there you can see how one player kicks, if he kicks it better than another..."
When it comes to the mental aspect of penalties, Ancelotti stressed, "The mental is more important than the technical. I've had very good players at penalties who then didn't have the feeling to do it in a shootout."
Starting the game for Madrid will be goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who returns to the lineup along with fullbacks Ferland Mendy, Fede Valverde, and central defender Toni Rudiger, who partners rookie Raul Asencio. Aurelien Tchouameni and captain Luka Modric form the pivot, with a more advanced line of Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo in front of them. Kylian Mbappe leads the attack, returning to form following his criticized performance in the first leg and scoring at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano.
Here's the starting lineup for Real Madrid: Courtois; Mendy, Rudiger, Asencio, Valverde; Modric, Tchouameni; Vinicius, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe
Get ready for a clash of titans as Real Madrid takes on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League!
- Atletico Madrid, currently trailing Real Madrid by just a single point in La Liga, has consistently provided tough competition for Carlo Ancelotti's squad, and the Champions League showdown between the two sides on Wednesday promises to continue this trend.
- As the second leg of the last 16 tie unfolds at the Metropolitano, Ancelotti acknowledged the "cycle" his team is entering in the competition, emphasizing their continued dreams of success within the tournament.
- Addressing concerns over "equality" between the two rivals, Ancelotta remained adamant thatmatches against Atletico have always been fiercely contested, a testament to the delicate balance of power in this heated rivalry.