Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad showed Carlo Ancelotti his newest worry.

Ancelotti’s New Worry: Real Madrid’s Defensive Struggles Exposed in Copa del Rey Draw with Sociedad

Real Madrid secured their place in the Copa del Rey final for the second time in three seasons, drawing 4-4 with Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite goals from Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rüdiger, Endrick, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, the match highlighted some serious defensive concerns for Carlo Ancelotti.

While the attack was clinical, with Real Madrid edging the tie 5-4 on aggregate, the team’s defensive woes were impossible to ignore. Conceding four goals—regardless of the context—is alarming for a club of Real Madrid’s stature. Ancelotti’s biggest takeaway from this eight-goal thriller? The defense needs urgent improvement before the final.

A significant cause for concern was the central defense pairing of David Alaba and Raúl Asencio. Though Asencio wasn’t at his best, it was Alaba’s disastrous performance that raised major red flags.

David Alaba’s Night to Forget

Alaba endured one of the worst matches of his Real Madrid career, scoring two own goals and being outmuscled in the air by Mikel Oyarzabal for Sociedad’s fourth. While Alaba has had off nights before, this was a new low, and it raised the question: has the time come for Real Madrid to look beyond the Austrian veteran in key games?

Alaba’s decline seemed to worsen as the game went on, with his confidence eroding after each mistake. The defending was simply not up to the standard needed to compete at the highest level, especially against teams with pace and aerial threats.

Ancelotti’s Defensive Dilemma

Now, Ancelotti’s worry is the limited options he has at center-back. With Alaba struggling, it leaves Real Madrid exposed, especially in crucial matchups. The upcoming Copa del Rey final will demand better defensive performances, and Ancelotti will need to rethink his options to ensure his team can tighten up at the back.

The final is set for April 26, and while Real Madrid will be favorites, Ancelotti must address his team’s defensive vulnerabilities before they face the ultimate test.