Ancelotti’s Masterstroke: Surprising Line-up Powers Real Madrid to Victory

Real Madrid closed out their 2024 campaign in style, defeating Sevilla FC 4-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu and climbing into second place in La Liga. The victory was secured thanks in no small part to manager Carlo Ancelotti’s bold decisions when it came to the starting line-up.

Facing a crucial match with key players missing, Ancelotti surprised everyone by fielding an unorthodox line-up. Vinícius Júnior’s suspension forced the Italian tactician to look beyond his usual attacking trio.

The surprise inclusion of Eduardo Camavinga at left-back raised eyebrows, especially with Ferland Mendy back in the squad.

Despite the unconventional choices, Ancelotti’s faith in his players paid off handsomely.

Camavinga slotted seamlessly into the left-back position, providing defensive solidity and venturing forward with purpose.

The midfield trio of Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham controlled the center of the park, stifling Sevilla’s attacks and initiating quick counter-attacks.

Up front, the attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo Goes, and Brahim Díaz proved to be a nightmare for the Sevilla defense. Mbappé, back to his best after a slight injury scare, put in a dazzling performance, scoring a stunning goal and being heavily involved in the creation of the others.

Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz thrived on the Frenchman’s creativity, constantly troubling the Sevilla backline with their pace and trickery.

The win against Sevilla further cemented Ancelotti’s reputation as a master tactician. He navigated a potentially tricky situation with a depleted squad, showcasing his ability to adapt and get the best out of his players. Camavinga’s unexpected deployment at left-back and the selection of Brahim Díaz over established names like Marco Asensio were bold choices that paid off spectacularly.

The victory not only secured second place in the La Liga standings but also served as a major confidence boost for Real Madrid heading into the winter break. Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility and player management were on full display, leaving fans excited about the team’s prospects in the new year.

With a healthy squad and a manager who can pull rabbits out of his hat, Real Madrid look like a serious contender for both La Liga and the Champions League in 2025.