Real Madrid’s packed schedule could determine whether their season ends in success or frustration – and Ancelotti’s lineup questions are mounting.
Real Madrid kick off today a grueling 15-day stretch that could go a long way in determining the success or failure of their season. During this run, they’ll face Betis, Atlético, Rayo, Atlético again, and Villarreal – all before the March international break. And the biggest question marks center around two areas: the midfield, following Dani Ceballos’ injury, with Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric emerging as the main alternatives; and the right-back position, where Carlo Ancelotti continues to experiment without landing on a reliable solution.
A right-back dilemma for Ancelotti
The clearest conclusion to emerge from Madrid’s doubleheader against Manchester City was this: Federico Valverde is the most reliable option for big matches. But the Uruguayan is currently unavailable, leaving Ancelotti with two unconvincing options – Lucas Vázquez, a converted winger, and Asencio, a natural center-back. And it’s clear the coach has doubts over both of them.
In San Sebastián, despite having Lucas available, Ancelotti opted to start Asencio at right-back - a gamble that backfired almost immediately. Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea gave him constant trouble throughout the first half, eventually drawing a yellow card. Worried about being reduced to ten men, Ancelotti replaced him at halftime, bringing on Lucas, who handled Barrenetxea’s threat far more effectively for the remainder of the match.
Defensive or attacking options at Madrid ‘2′
Ancelotti struck a positive note when asked about the experiment. “Asencio has the quality to play there. He’s a very different type of right-back compared to Lucas and Valverde. When you’ve got a wide forward like Rodrygo, you don’t need a full-back who’s constantly pushing forward. And defensively, Asencio is very solid.” Despite the optimistic spin, all signs point to Lucas returning to the starting lineup today against Betis at the Benito Villamarín.
But the real question is: what will Ancelotti do for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Atlético Madrid next Tuesday, March 4?
Valverde remains the top choice – provided he’s healthy and available, which is far from guaranteed. He played the first leg against City at the Bernabéu with painkilling injections and hasn’t featured since, missing games against Girona and Real Sociedad. He’ll also sit out today’s match against Betis, left off the squad list once again.
That right-back slot – long secured and stabilized by Dani Carvajal – is now one of Madrid’s most glaring weak spots, with no clear solution in sight. At least not until the summer transfer window opens.
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