8th of final return : Carlo Ancelotti condemns a Madrilenian, « He will not play

No time to waste: just hours after the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching team held a debriefing. By the end of their meeting, only one player found his situation becoming increasingly difficult.

Since Tuesday night, Real Madrid has been feeling more relieved. After a loss in La Liga to Betis last weekend, Ancelotti’s side knew they had to secure a result against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Despite key absences, particularly in midfield, the team managed to secure a 2-1 victory, taking a slim advantage into next Wednesday’s return leg. This Thursday, the club is marking 123 years of dominant success in European football. To keep the momentum going, they must shine once more at the Civitas Metropolitano to advance to the quarter-finals.

Camavinga loses his spot in the starting lineup. Ahead of this crucial return leg, which is expected to be highly tense and unpredictable, the coaching staff is already focusing on the best tactics to avoid a humiliating defeat. According to reports from Valdebebas, Ancelotti and his assistants have identified the midfield as an area for improvement before the second leg. The defensive unit, which impressed against Atletico Madrid with Raul Asensio, Antonio Rudiger, and Federico Valverde, is less of a concern. The coaching team is expected to make just one change in the starting lineup. Naturally, it looks like Eduardo Camavinga will be the one replaced. Despite a mixed performance, the French midfielder has not fully convinced Ancelotti. With Jude Bellingham’s return, the coaching staff is feeling more confident. With Aurelien Tchouameni back to his best in his preferred role as a defensive midfielder and Brahim Diaz continuing to improve, Real Madrid is likely to line up without Camavinga in the return leg at Civitas Metropolitano. Unless there’s a last-minute surprise, Ancelotti will not make many changes to the squad that played in the first leg. Luka Modric now has an even better chance to start next Wednesday over Camavinga. The former Rennes player has been struggling with physical issues recently and is finding it difficult to regain his form. While the coaching staff still has faith that he will return to his best soon, the 22-year-old will need to work hard to avoid being sidelined at the end of the season.