As the countdown continues towards Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, fresh reports suggest Carlo Ancelotti is preparing something unexpected. It is said that the Real Madrid manager experimented with a rather unusual starting XI during recent training ahead of this high-stakes clash. At the heart of this tactical shift is Dani Ceballos. Having recovered from his injury and featuring against Alaves, Ceballos is now being tipped to start in the midfield. Ancelotti is reportedly eager to reintegrate him into the starting XI and sees him as a crucial piece for the rest of the season. It is evident that without him, Madrid have often lacked fluidity and control within the centre of the pitch, something the manager desires to correct ahead of this encounter.
On the defensive side, while Real Madrid’s priority will certainly be to score at least four goals to keep their European dreams alive, Ancelotti is also paying close attention to defensive structure in order to avoid another collapse. In that regard, Raul Asencio was tested at the right-back role during the training session. Although it could surprise many, it must be noted that Asencio has already performed there earlier this season and done well. Another experiment included David Alaba taking up the left-back role during the session. With Ferland Mendy unavailable because of his injury, Fran Garcia remains the only natural option for that role. However, Alaba’s versatility makes him a dependable alternative. His experience in both central defence and full-back roles could provide the balance Ancelotti needs.
The lineup that Ancelotti tested was Courtois; Asencio, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Alaba; Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Mbappe. With a 0-3 deficit to conquer, Real Madrid will have to take risks — but Ancelotti is making sure those dangers are calculated, with fresh chances in key roles. Whether or not these modifications will produce magic remains to be seen, but one thing is positive: Ancelotti is getting ready for all possibilities.
As the match day approached, Ancelotti confirmed the starting lineup for the crucial match against Arsenal. The Merengues come into the game having lost the first leg of the quarter-final tie at the Emirates Stadium 3-0 and are now gunning to script a historic comeback in front of their supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite Bukayo Saka causing him troubles in the first leg, David Alaba has once again been given the nod at left-back by Ancelotti, ahead of Fran Garcia. Meanwhile, Lucas Vazquez starts at right-back with Federico Valverde, who featured in the position in the first leg, moving to his natural habitat in midfield. Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio line up as the two centre-backs in front of Thibaut Courtois. Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed the first leg through suspension, partners Valverde in midfield, meaning there is no place for Dani Ceballos in the lineup. The ‘Fab Four’ of Rodrygo, Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham all start and will need to step up in a big way for Real Madrid to stand a chance tonight.
In the lead-up to the match, Ancelotti spoke about the challenges ahead. "I don’t believe my job is on the line," he declared, emphasizing his confidence despite the daunting task of overturning a three-goal deficit. The Italian manager hinted at shifts in strategy against Arsenal, aiming to regain control of the game that had slipped away in the first leg. Jude Bellingham echoed his coach's sentiments, expressing confidence in the squad's ability to make a comeback.
As the tension builds, another significant factor is Kylian Mbappe's recent suspension. The French superstar was handed a one-match domestic suspension after being sent off during Sunday’s tense 1-0 LaLiga victory against Alaves. Mbappe was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Antonio Blanco, which led to a review by VAR and ultimately resulted in his dismissal. The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that he would be banned for one domestic match, sidelining him for the upcoming clash against Athletic Bilbao but allowing him to play against Arsenal.
Despite the setback, Mbappe remains a pivotal figure for Real Madrid, having scored 32 goals in 48 appearances since joining from Paris Saint-Germain. His absence in the domestic league will be felt, but his availability for the Champions League offers a glimmer of hope for Ancelotti’s men as they look to mount a comeback.
With the stakes higher than ever, the pressure is mounting on Real Madrid. They currently sit second in LaLiga, four points behind leaders Barcelona, with seven matches left to play this term. The upcoming fixtures include a crucial Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona on April 26, followed by the next LaLiga edition of El Clasico on May 11. Each match carries significant weight, and the squad’s performance against Arsenal could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
As the team prepares for the match, Ancelotti’s decisions will be under scrutiny. The tactical adjustments, especially the inclusion of Ceballos, could be the key to unlocking the creativity and balance that has been sorely missed since the departure of Toni Kroos. The manager’s faith in Ceballos is evident, as he has designated him as one of the key starters until the end of the season.
Tonight’s clash at the Santiago Bernabeu is not just another match; it’s a chance for redemption and a critical moment in Real Madrid’s season. With the crowd behind them and a point to prove, the players will need to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance worthy of their storied history in European football.
The excitement is palpable as fans await the kickoff. Will Real Madrid be able to turn the tide and advance to the next round of the Champions League? The stage is set for an unforgettable night of football.
