The Champions League play-off round has delivered its biggest test yet for Real Madrid, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
A crippling injury crisis has left Carlo Ancelotti scrambling for defensive solutions as they prepare to face Manchester City in one of the most anticipated clashes of the season.
With a patched-up backline, can Madrid withstand the attacking prowess of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden?
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Real Madrid’s backline is in total disarray. Injuries have ruled out Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Éder Militão, leaving Ancelotti with one fit natural center-back in Raúl Asencio. To make matters worse, even Lucas Vázquez, the club’s utility full-back, pulled out of the squad after feeling discomfort in his thigh.
Ancelotti has labeled the situation a “total emergency,” and rightfully so. With no clear solutions in sight, he has been forced to get creative.
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has been deployed as a makeshift center-back for much of the season, and he will likely be asked to do the same against City’s relentless attack.
In addition, Fede Valverde may have to slot in at right-back, sacrificing his midfield presence, which has been crucial for Madrid’s success.
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Man City Smell Blood
If there’s ever a team ready to capitalize on Madrid’s defensive woes, it’s Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side, despite some inconsistency in their domestic campaign, remain a lethal attacking force in Europe.
Erling Haaland has been a goal machine, and with playmakers like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva feeding him, Madrid’s fragile defense could be in for a long night.
City’s recent head-to-head history against Madrid adds another layer of concern. In four of the last five seasons, the winner of this fixture has gone on to lift the Champions League trophy.
Madrid’s famous comeback win in 2022 at the Bernabéu remains fresh in memory, but last season, City dismantled them with a 4-0 masterclass at the Etihad. Can Ancelotti prevent another humiliation?
Tchouaméni at Center-Back: A Risky Gamble?
The decision to play Aurélien Tchouaméni in defense is not just a compromise—it’s a necessity. The French midfielder has played 14 out of his 29 matches this season as a makeshift defender, and while he has adapted well, facing Haaland’s physicality and movement is an entirely different challenge.
Without a solid defensive foundation, Madrid’s midfield will be under immense pressure. Eduardo Camavinga, who has just returned from injury, is expected to partner Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos, while Jude Bellingham will need to provide additional cover. But can they protect a defense that is essentially pieced together on the fly?
Madrid’s Attack: The Only Hope?
While Real Madrid’s defense is in ruins, their attack remains a terrifying force. Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham have combined for over 60 goals this season, and their ability to strike at any moment remains Madrid’s greatest weapon.
Ancelotti has insisted that he won’t sacrifice offensive power to bolster his defense. “I don’t take off one, two, three, or four forwards,” he stated. “If I put four midfielders, I press more, but I don’t score 60 goals. Simple.”
The game plan, therefore, seems clear: Madrid will fight fire with fire. Rather than trying to shut City out, they will likely focus on outscoring them in what could be an all-out attacking spectacle. But is that a sustainable approach against a team that rarely concedes at home?
For Carlo Ancelotti, this match represents a defining moment in Madrid’s season. Despite leading La Liga, reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and qualifying for the Champions League knockouts, criticism has been mounting over Madrid’s struggles in big games.
Madrid have already lost seven times this season, a worrying statistic for a team expected to compete at the highest level. In key matches, they have often looked vulnerable, with teams like Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Liverpool exposing their weaknesses. Against City, Madrid’s ability to perform on the grandest stage will be truly tested.
If there’s one thing Madrid fans have learned over the years, it’s never to count this team out. No matter how dire the situation, Los Blancos have a history of defying the odds. The memories of their 2022 comeback against City, PSG, and Chelsea remain fresh, and they will need that same magic to survive this crisis.
Ancelotti’s tactical decisions will be heavily scrutinized. Can Tchouaméni and Valverde hold their own in unfamiliar defensive roles? Can Madrid’s attack outgun City’s firepower? And most importantly, can they avoid another Etihad disaster?
One thing is certain: Real Madrid’s season hangs in the balance, and the outcome of this tie could define their European legacy for years to come.
