Real Madrid is gearing up for a pivotal clash against their city rivals Atlético Madrid on February 8, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu. Fresh off the back of some significant injury woes, Los Blancos look to solidify their position at the top of La Liga and maintain the momentum as they face one of their fiercest competitors.
The team is currently grappling with the absence of key defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces the difficult task of reshaping his defensive strategy to accommodate these setbacks. Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to step up to play as the makeshift center-back alongside Raul Asencio, who has quickly established himself as a foundational player for the team.
Raul Asecencio’s elevation to the starting XI highlights his growing importance within the squad. According to Jorge Picon of Relevo, "Raul ASencio has become indispensable. He is currently the only player who allows Real Madrid to push their defence forward, 40 metres from their goal." This observation captures the essence of why his role has become so pivotal. Despite the team being 1-0 down at halftime recently, his clearances, tackles, and aerial duels display his capability to stabilize the backline effectively.
The choice to deploy both Tchouameni and Raul together at center back indicates Ancelotti’s desire for resilience against Atlético's anticipated defensive setup. Players like Fede Valverde may also find themselves tasked with adapting to different roles to bolster the defense, which is something Ancelotti has had to do all too often this season.
The predicted lineup against Atlético Madrid includes first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, flanked by Valverde, Tchouameni, and Raul as the central defenders, and Ferland Mendy occupying the left-back position. The midfield should look solid with Dani Ceballos, who has shown excellent form, joined by the crafty Luka Modric, who can provide immense creative energy against Atlético’s tight defense.
With Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and perhaps Kylian Mbappe set to lead the attacking front, the expectation from Real's supporters will be high. This mixture of youthful exuberance and veteran experience is something Ancelotti will lean on heavily.
Given the stakes of the match, both teams will be determined to seize the initiative early. Atlético, known for their sturdy defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess under Diego Simeone, will present a formidable challenge. This match could be not only pivotal for this season but could also shape the outcome of the La Liga title race.
Ceballos and Valverde's roles are increasingly significant as they may find themselves needing to provide cover both defensively and offensively. Support from the likes of Modric and the youthful energy of Bellingham will be equally important.
The burning question remains: can Real Madrid adapt efficiently to these challenges? If Raul can continue his impressive form, and if Tchouameni can anchor the defense, they may just hold the fort against Atlético's forward line which features proven talents like Antoine Griezmann and fresh threats from younger players.
The match will kick off at 21:00 CET, with television coverage provided by Movistar La Liga, and streaming available through ESPN+. This matchup is one of the most anticipated fixtures this season, and how effectively Real Madrid can navigate their current challenges could determine not only their standing this season but also set the tone for their ambitions going forward. With so much at stake, the eyes will certainly be on Raul Asecencio as he looks to lead from the back and maintain Real Madrid’s title ambitions.