Ancelotti's Response on Playing Alaba and Rüdiger Against Atlético: the Plan...

Carlo Ancelotti wanted Alaba and Rüdiger as a pair in the big matches. But the defeat against Betis has changed his plans.

"The plan has changed," confessed the Italian coach to his entourage.

Doubts After the Disaster in Seville

Real Madrid arrived in good form after defeating City, Girona, and Real Sociedad. But everything went wrong at Villamarín.

Betis easily overcame Ancelotti's team. The Whites were unable to react. The defense was heavily criticized.

The two Betis goals reflected Madrid's defensive errors. The central pair conveyed insecurity from start to finish.

Jesús Rodríguez, Antony, and Cucho Hernández roamed freely. But it was Isco who caused the most damage.

Rüdiger committed a childish penalty in the 53rd minute. Unnecessary, clumsy, and inexplicable. An error that condemned Madrid.

The German finished the match limping. Slow, distracted, and struggling to maintain the defensive line.

Alaba wasn't any better. He was substituted before the 60th minute. He is still not at 100% after fourteen months out.

Ancelotti Changes Plans

The coach thought Rüdiger and Alaba would form the starting pair in the big matches. But after the disaster in Seville, he has doubts.

They are not yet a reliable duo. They need time to regain their best level.

Raúl Asencio didn't play a single minute against Betis. And the team missed him.

The Canary Islander has an advantage to be a starter on Tuesday in the Champions League against Atlético. His prominence is growing in the squad.

A fact confirms it. In Madrid's last three defeats, Asencio was a substitute. It happened against Barça in the Super Cup, Espanyol in Cornellà, and now against Betis.

Without his vigor, speed, and character, Madrid suffers. Asencio will return to the starting eleven at Bernabéu.