Revolution in San Sebastián: the Surprising Eleven Ancelotti Plans for Tomorrow

The next major commitment ahead for Real Madrid is the match against Real Sociedad. This match to be played at the Reale Arena, as part of the Copa del Rey semifinals, marks the course of the current season. Therefore, victory is mandatory, allowing them to avoid a tighter situation for the return match at Santiago Bernabéu.

Access to the La Cartuja final is just over 180 minutes away, yet Real Madrid must not be complacent or neglect planning. Carlo Ancelotti has made the most of the two preparation sessions for this match, making changes to the last starting eleven he deployed on the field of the merengue coliseum.

The Reggiolo coach knows that we are in the most challenging part of the season, where the titles Real Madrid is still competing for are ultimately decided. Therefore, he is aware that he must make the most of the excellent depth of the first white team. Rotations will be an essential element to ensure the good physical condition of the key starters for other LaLiga and Champions League matches.

Thus, Carlo Ancelotti would have decided to make, according to "Relevo," two changes in his starting eleven against Real Sociedad. Counting again on Jude Bellingham, whose two-match suspension applies only in LaLiga, the merengue coach would have decided to rest another midfielder: Fede Valverde. The benching of the Uruguayan '8' is the logical consequence of his role as a key piece in the tactical scheme.

Expected Modifications

The good performance that the Uruguayan all-rounder delivers season after season not only has effects in the engine room. His well-known versatility on the right flank has earned him the role of playing as a full-back in the most challenging matches of recent weeks, acting as Lucas Vázquez. The accumulated wear and tear from playing in that position would be the reason for his full rest against Girona in LaLiga.

This absence from the field, whether for the entire match, would extend to the Copa del Rey clash against Real Sociedad. In addition to the South American midfielder, Carlo Ancelotti would have decided to leave one of his 'reliable' players at the back: Thibaut Courtois on the bench.

To replace the Belgian '1', who is once again being crucial this season, Andriy Lunin would come in. The credit of the Ukrainian '13', despite his limited prominence this season, remains very high thanks to what happened during the last campaign. Therefore, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to 'reserve' exclusively for him the Copa del Rey matches.

Beyond those two changes announced by 'Relevo', the Real Madrid coaching staff could propose a starting eleven very similar to the one seen against teams like Manchester City. It is an important match in the white competitive calendar and the Reggiolo coach will want to start with the best players on the Basque field.