Carlo Ancelotti’s Two Players Who Could Have Changed Everything Against Arsenal

In the relentless pursuit of a coveted spot in the Champions League semi-finals, Real Madrid suffered a significant setback, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of a vibrant Arsenal side in the first leg of their quarter-final encounter.¹ While the post-mortem of the match has focused on various aspects of Real Madrid’s performance, a recurring theme of discussion revolves around the tactical decisions made by their experienced manager, Carlo Ancelotti. Specifically, many observers believe that Ancelotti’s reluctance to introduce two particular players from the bench earlier in the contest may have cost Real Madrid dearly, potentially altering the course of the game.

The emphatic nature of Arsenal’s victory has left many Real Madrid supporters pondering whether a different approach from the touchline could have yielded a more favorable outcome. The question echoing among the Madrileños is whether they might witness a remarkable comeback in the return leg, reminiscent of past Champions League encounters where Real Madrid has defied the odds. However, the cold reality of the 3-0 deficit at the Emirates Stadium paints a challenging picture for Carlo Ancelotti and his squad.

On the night, it appeared that Carlo Ancelotti and his players struggled to impose their game plan on a determined Arsenal team. A combination of factors contributed to the disappointing result, including unnecessary fouls that gifted Arsenal opportunities, avoidable errors from key players like Thibaut Courtois, and, as many believe, shortcomings in the tactical decisions emanating from the Real Madrid technical staff.

Amidst the analysis of individual player performances, a significant portion of the criticism has been directed towards Carlo Ancelotti’s in-game management. The veteran coach, often lauded for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, has been accused of displaying a lack of spontaneity and perhaps a deficiency in audacity during the crucial Champions League fixture.

Indeed, as the match progressed and Real Madrid struggled to find an attacking foothold, particularly after Arsenal’s opening goals, the performances of key attacking players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes were noticeably below par. Apart from a few fleeting moments of brilliance from Kylian Mbappé in the first half, Real Madrid’s attacking endeavors lacked the spark and incision required to trouble the Arsenal defense.

In situations where the team was clearly in need of a fresh impetus and a change of dynamic in the attacking third, Ancelotti opted to introduce defensive reinforcements, bringing on the likes of Lucas Vázquez and Fran García when the scoreline was already heavily in Arsenal’s favor. This decision has been questioned by many, who felt that attacking changes should have been prioritized earlier in an attempt to claw back into the game.

Speaking of substitutions, Ancelotti’s timing has come under particular scrutiny. Instead of making offensive alterations when the team was visibly struggling to create chances, the Italian coach waited until the 85th minute to replace Rodrygo Goes with Brahim Diaz. This late introduction of Diaz, a player known for his ability to win fouls in dangerous areas and unsettle opposition defenses with his agility and trickery, has been viewed by many as a missed opportunity to potentially influence the game at a more critical juncture.

Beyond the timing of Brahim Diaz’s introduction, the continued presence of Vinicius Junior on the pitch for the entire duration of the match has also been a point of contention. Considering Kylian Mbappé’s effectiveness on the left flank and Vinicius’s struggles to make an impact, many believe that Ancelotti had a golden opportunity to inject fresh energy and a different dimension into the attack by introducing the highly-rated young Brazilian forward, Endrick.

Despite his tender age, Endrick has consistently generated excitement and anticipation whenever he has been given opportunities to showcase his talent. His performances, even in limited minutes, have hinted at a maturity and attacking instinct that could have potentially troubled the Arsenal defenders, particularly as the game wore on.

As evidenced in the recent match against Valencia, where Endrick was involved in two dangerous attacking plays shortly after coming off the bench, the young Brazilian possesses the ability to make an immediate impact. Given that taller defenders often face challenges against forwards with a lower center of gravity and quick feet, both Brahim Diaz and Endrick presented luxurious options that Carlo Ancelotti seemingly chose not to fully utilize, perhaps preferring to stick with his established stars who, on this particular night, failed to shine.

The sentiment of frustration with Ancelotti’s reluctance to trust his substitutes was echoed by Real Madrid legend Guti Hernández, who publicly lamented the coach’s decision-making on the “El Chiringuito TV” program following the defeat. Guti emphasized that when established players are underperforming, it is crucial to give opportunities to those waiting on the sidelines.

Furthermore, a video circulating online, purportedly showing a disagreement between Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga regarding a tactical choice, has further fueled the narrative that there may be a disconnect in the team’s understanding and execution of the game plan. This visual evidence suggests that the communication and clarity of tactical instructions might be an area of concern within the Real Madrid camp.

For many observers, Ancelotti’s approach in recent times has appeared to rely heavily on the individual brilliance of his star players rather than a cohesive and adaptable tactical framework. This reliance on individual moments of magic has perhaps contributed to the stubbornness in keeping players like Vini on the pitch until the end of a match in which he neither dribbled effectively, nor managed a shot on target, nor created a clear opportunity, nor even defended with the required diligence.

The resounding defeat against Arsenal has undoubtedly amplified the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti, and with the La Liga title appearing increasingly out of reach and the Champions League hopes hanging by a thread – requiring a three-goal victory in the return leg – many believe that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez may be compelled to make significant changes within the technical staff at the end of the season. The failure to adapt and utilize the full depth of the squad in crucial moments like the one against Arsenal has raised serious questions about the team’s tactical flexibility and Ancelotti’s willingness to deviate from his preferred lineup, even when circumstances clearly demand a change.