Real Madrid’s Makeshift Backline to Face Arsenal in Crucial UCL Clash
With multiple injuries in defense, Ancelotti is forced to trust a surprising defensive four in tonight’s quarterfinal first leg.
Real Madrid will face Arsenal tonight in London in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie — a high-stakes encounter that comes with many uncertainties, especially in defense.
The team arrives under pressure after a disappointing home loss to Valencia, and now, all eyes are on Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive choices for one of the season’s most decisive games.
Ancelotti’s Four-Man Defense Revealed
According to José Félix Díaz, Ancelotti has already selected his backline. The expected starting defenders are:
Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, and David Alaba.
This lineup has raised serious concerns among Real Madrid fans, as both Lucas Vázquez and David Alaba have struggled with form in recent weeks.
- David Alaba, once a reliable figure in the backline, is currently under scrutiny for underwhelming performances that many feel fall below Madrid’s standards.
- Lucas Vázquez, normally a versatile utility player, has had a shaky season defensively, adding more doubt to his inclusion.
Unfortunately for Ancelotti, injuries have left him with few alternatives, making this defensive setup more of a necessity than a tactical choice.
Ancelotti: “The Key Is Courage and Execution”
Speaking in yesterday’s press conference, Carlo Ancelotti addressed the situation candidly:
“The key will be courage, personality… doing our best and staying motivated. It’s very difficult to always be at 100%, it’s impossible. We’ve had many injuries, which made rotations more difficult, especially now when they’re more necessary than ever.”
The Italian coach also explained why Asencio was rested in the previous match:
“We gave Asencio a rest after the match against Real Sociedad because he was exhausted.”
On the overall strategy for the match, Ancelotti remained confident:
“We’ve prepared well. Arsenal is a complete team — strong in pressing, transitions, and defending deep. But we have a clear game plan and will try to execute it. Physically, the team is in good shape, and we’ll try to play with intensity.”
A Test of Depth and Resilience
With key players missing and doubts surrounding several starters, tonight’s game will test Real Madrid’s depth and character. Ancelotti’s unorthodox defensive line will need to rise to the occasion if Madrid hopes to return to the Bernabéu with a favorable result.
The challenge is real — but so is the club’s legacy of surviving against the odds.
