Record 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Tuesday questioning how one can maintain powerhouse striker Erling Haaland at bay. The Norwegian juggernaut is again in kind with seven objectives in his final eight video games throughout all competitions and might be aiming to capitalise on Madrid’s crumbling defence. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao’s long-term damage absences have been compounded by new accidents for Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez.
Along with veteran Nacho’s departure final summer time, Madrid are quick on the again heading into the play-off spherical tie in opposition to City.
Madrid didn’t reinforce within the winter switch window and Ancelotti mentioned his staff should “bear out” the robust spot they’re in.
The coach can be nonetheless in search of the right steadiness between defence and assault after famous person French striker Kylian Mbappe’s arrival final summer time.
The holders have typically struggled defensively when utilizing Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes collectively as starters.
However Ancelotti deployed his ‘improbable 4′ in a 1-1 La Liga draw in opposition to Atletico on Saturday they usually labored laborious when referred to as upon to trace again for the leaders.
That has not at all times been the case, with veteran midfielder Luka Modric rowing with Vinicius final week in a 3-2 Copa del Rey quarter-final win over Leganes to get the Brazilian winger to assist out extra in defence.
“You at all times must respect what Modric says,” mentioned Ancelotti, siding with the Croatian, and Vinicius appeared to take notice.
Ancelotti spent the early months of the season complaining a few lack of steadiness and defensive work ethic from his facet, as Madrid initially fell behind Barcelona domestically and had been crushed by Brest, Liverpool and AC Milan in Europe.
Along with a surge in Mbappe’s confidence and, subsequently, his goalscoring, Madrid have improved because the season progressed.
Ancelotti heralded his staff’s dedication in opposition to Atletico, forward of the go to to the Etihad Stadium.
“Everyone sacrificed, battled, fought and retrieved a tough sport,” mentioned the coach, with Mbappe scoring within the second half after Julian Alvarez put Atletico forward.
“Mbappe and Vinicius made an effort to be nearer to the remainder of the staff… it was a superb efficiency when it comes to the gamers’ dedication.”
Bellingham put within the laborious yards particularly, dropping to the left to assist his staff when Atletico had been in possession.
It was a far cry from Madrid’s 5-2 thrashing within the Spanish Super Cup last by Barcelona in January, with Ancelotti extremely important of his facet’s defending.
‘Despite the difficulties’
French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, taking part in out-of-position at centre-back, conceded the penalty for Atletico’s opener by treading on Samuel Lino’s foot.
Despite the error he’s set to retain his place in opposition to City, alongside 21-year-old defender Raul Asencio.
The younger Spanish centre-back has change into an everyday for Ancelotti this season, largely right down to Madrid’s damage issues, and going through Haaland would be the largest take a look at of his profession up to now.
Asencio has risen to the problem and is popular with followers on the Santiago Bernabeu, who take pleasure in his occasional piques with opposition attackers.
Ancelotti highlighted that his staff is prospering regardless of their numerous absentees on the again.
“Before the (derby) I noticed a picture wherein Carvajal, Alaba, Militao and Rudiger greeted their team-mates earlier than they took the sector,” the Italian coach identified.
“Despite the difficulties, we’re doing very properly.”
Vazquez is the most recent casualty, harm in direction of the tip of the Atletico draw and it means Uruguayan box-to-box midfielder Federico Valverde will probably fill in at right-back.
Even although Guardiola’s facet have been far beneath their greatest this season, Madrid’s makeshift defence is an interesting prospect for City’s attacking stars.
Ancelotti will hope his staff can compete properly sufficient to keep away from a thrashing like these they’ve suffered in opposition to Barcelona this season, transport 9 objectives in two matches, and make the most of having the second leg on the Bernabeu.
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