Serious Doubt for Ancelotti Ahead of Return Against Atlético, He Might Do Something Crazy

The debates surrounding the Madrid classic continue despite the match at Santiago Bernabéu having already concluded. Both teams also have to overcome a LaLiga commitment before facing each other again at Riyadh Air Metropolitano next Wednesday. That match at Atlético de Madrid's stronghold will be the anticipated conclusion of the Champions League round of 16.

While it is true that both coaches, Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Pablo Simeone, are thinking about their LaLiga matches, it seems undeniable to point out that those encounters would act as a dress rehearsal. Because both coaches seem to have many things to change given the performance of their pupils last Tuesday at the stadium located on Concha Espina Avenue.

The technical staff led by Carlo Ancelotti has worked, simultaneously with the preparation for the match against Rayo Vallecano, on the possible line-up for that encounter. According to information published by "Relevo," the Reggiolo coach would only have one doubt for his starting formation, which would involve the placement of Eduardo Camavinga as a pivot. The French '6' started, alongside his compatriot Aurélien Tchouaméni, in the Madrid midfield.

But the double pivot that has worked with certain guarantees in the French national team doesn't seem to function or yield good results at Real Madrid. The irregular season of the French stopper, affected by injuries and a more discreet performance than expected, has caused serious doubts in the Merengue technical staff for these matches.

Pending Exchange

If Carlo Ancelotti decides to remove Eduardo Camavinga from his starting eleven, the Italian strategist would have already prepared the corresponding modification. Because Fede Valverde would finally regain his place in the midfield, alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni, leaving the right-back position to its usual occupant: Lucas Vázquez.

But that decision doesn't generate consensus among Madrid fans or at the Valdebebas Sports City. The serious injury of Dani Carvajal has forced the Galician '17' to be a regular starter in all matches, but it hasn't delivered a performance up to expectations. Those bad sensations have been noticeable in the Champions League: not in LaLiga, where there doesn't seem to be any discussion about the importance of Lucas Vázquez in the starting eleven.

After certain reservations about the Spanish defender's starting role, Carlo Ancelotti would have decided to place Lucas Vázquez as the right-back so that Fede Valverde replaces Camavinga. Such an arrangement, of course, would mean that the Uruguayan '8' maintains a close watch on everything happening on the right side of the defense... as he has done so far, constantly assisting his natural teammate from Curtis.

The tests regarding that arrangement could come against Rayo Vallecano as long as Fede Valverde's physical condition allows it. The extensive volume of matches that the Uruguayan midfielder has played has forced him to rest in the Copa del Rey and against Real Betis. His absence against 'La Franja' would be a clear statement of intent by the Merengue coach: he wants Fede Valverde at his best to beat Atlético de Madrid.