Ancelotti Admits Underdog Status After Alaba and Camavinga Pick Up Injuries in Getafe Win
Real Madrid’s hopes of lifting the Copa del Rey have suffered a major setback after Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba both picked up injuries in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Getafe—leaving Carlo Ancelotti scrambling for solutions ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes Clásico final.
Alaba, who started the match, was substituted at halftime with a muscle issue, while Camavinga—his replacement—later limped off after a heavy challenge. The double blow leaves Ancelotti with just Fran García as his only fit left-back option against a Barcelona side that has dominated their recent meetings.
Ancelotti’s Concern as Madrid Face Uphill Battle
“We’ll assess them tomorrow, but both have muscle problems in their leg—it’s hard to see them recovering in time,” a resigned Ancelotti admitted post-match. The Italian acknowledged Madrid’s underdog status, given Barcelona’s 4-0 thrashing of Los Blancos earlier this season and their 5-2 Super Cup final triumph in January.
“It’s a final, and perhaps they are favorites,” he said. “But in a final, anything can happen.”
With La Liga slipping away (Madrid trail by four points) and Barcelona still flying in the Champions League, the Copa del Rey represents Madrid’s best shot at silverware this season. Yet injuries and recent form suggest an uphill task at the Estadio La Cartuja.
Tactical Tinkering Ahead?
Ancelotti hinted at potential surprises, even joking about fielding “a 4-4-2 with six midfielders and no striker.” His priority, however, is clear: “We must defend well—and we will.”
For Barcelona, the momentum is strong. For Madrid, it’s now a test of resilience—and whether their patched-up side can defy the odds in a final that could define their season.
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