Real Madrid’s Head Coach Sticks to Familiar Faces Ahead of Champions League Quarterfinals
Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has revealed his lineup strategy for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Manchester City, promising a strong and familiar squad to take on the English giants.
Ancelotti assured fans and pundits that there would be “nothing strange” about his starting XI, and he has stayed true to his word by fielding a lineup similar to the one that has propelled Real Madrid to an eight-point lead at the top of La Liga and into the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
One key decision for Ancelotti was who would partner Antonio Rudiger in defense, and the Italian tactician has opted for midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni over captain Nacho in that role.
The defensive lineup includes Ferland Mendy on the left and Dani Carvajal on the right, with Andriy Lunin getting the nod as the goalkeeper for what is arguably the biggest game of his career thus far.
In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga anchors the team alongside Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde, while Jude Bellingham takes up an advanced attacking position behind the front two wingers, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
Vinicius Jr. has even called on fans to wear all white at the Bernabeu, with the club planning a 360-degree mosaic and requesting UEFA to close the stadium roof for a heightened atmosphere.
Despite the meticulous planning, Ancelotti emphasized that the outcome of the match would be decided on the pitch. He stated in his pre-match press conference on Monday, “It’s about the quality of the players. Both teams have players of high quality, and that will determine the match.”
Ancelotti highlighted Madrid’s strategy of winning duels, capitalizing on counterattacks, and maintaining a solid defense throughout the game. A 1-1 result, similar to last year’s semi-final first leg, would be acceptable, setting the stage for an intriguing clash at the Etihad in the following week.
Real Madrid’s Confirmed XI: Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin; Defenders: Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Carvajal; Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Forwards: Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo.
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