(4-2-3-1) Academy to start at the right back”, Predicted Madrid lineup vs Man City – as Ancelotti makes THREE changes to the backline

Real Madrid faces one of its toughest challenges this season as they prepare to take on Manchester City in a crucial UEFA Champions League playoff match. With the stakes at their highest, Los Blancos are grappling with a major defensive crisis that could define their fate in the tournament. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to rethink his defensive setup, making three significant changes to the backline due to injuries ravaging his squad.

Key defenders Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Éder Militão are all unavailable, while captain Lucas Vázquez is also sidelined. This alarming situation has left Ancelotti scrambling for solutions, leading to an unexpected decision to call upon academy graduate Lorenzo Aguado, who is set to start at right-back in what will be the biggest match of his young career.

The defensive reshuffle does not stop there. With the squad stretched thin, Ancelotti is expected to deploy Ferland Mendy and Aurélien Tchouaméni as the center-back pairing. Mendy, primarily a left-back, will be tasked with an unfamiliar role, while Tchouaméni, a natural midfielder, is once again being used as an emergency defender. Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga, another midfielder by trade, is set to take up the left-back position, further highlighting Madrid’s makeshift approach at the back.

Despite these defensive concerns, Ancelotti remains confident that his side can weather the storm. He has stressed the importance of maintaining balance, ensuring that Madrid’s attacking strength compensates for their defensive vulnerabilities. The Italian tactician will be banking on his midfield duo of Luka Modrić and Dani Ceballos to dictate play and control the tempo of the game.

Further up the pitch, Real Madrid will rely on the electrifying trio of Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo to provide creativity and attacking firepower. Their ability to break through City’s defensive line will be crucial, especially with Kylian Mbappé leading the line as the main striker. The French superstar will be expected to exploit any gaps left by City’s high defensive line, using his blistering pace and sharp finishing to give Madrid the attacking edge.

On the other side, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will see this as a golden opportunity. The Premier League giants have been in exceptional form, and with Madrid’s defense weakened, City’s attacking unit will look to exploit every weakness. Erling Haaland, who has been in devastating form, will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a makeshift backline, while Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva will pull the strings in midfield to create openings.

Guardiola is likely to instruct his team to press high and dominate possession, knowing that Madrid’s untested defense could struggle under sustained pressure. The absence of Madrid’s key defensive leaders means City’s attackers will have more space to maneuver, and Ancelotti’s men will have to be disciplined and organized to withstand the relentless attacking waves.

For Madrid, this game is not just about tactical adjustments—it is a true test of resilience. The club has a history of overcoming adversity in the Champions League, and this will be another moment where they must dig deep. The likes of Modrić and Bellingham will need to step up, not just creatively but also in terms of leadership, to guide the younger and inexperienced players through the high-pressure encounter.

Another key factor in this clash will be the goalkeeping department. Thibaut Courtois has often been Madrid’s savior in big European nights, and with an inexperienced backline ahead of him, his presence will be even more vital. The Belgian shot-stopper will need to be at his best to keep Haaland and company at bay.

There will also be significant pressure on the young Lorenzo Aguado, who is set to be thrown into the deep end against one of the world’s best teams. Facing the likes of Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, the academy graduate will have to rise to the occasion and prove that he belongs on the biggest stage. His ability to cope with the intensity of the match could be a defining factor in Madrid’s defensive performance.

While Real Madrid’s attacking lineup remains formidable, the challenge will be ensuring that their defensive fragilities do not undo their hard work. Ancelotti’s men will need to be clinical in front of goal, making the most of their chances, as they may not have the luxury of keeping a clean sheet.

Manchester City, on the other hand, will view this game as a moment to stamp their authority in Europe. Guardiola’s side has been knocking on the door for Champions League supremacy, and they will be eager to take advantage of any weaknesses in Madrid’s setup. The midfield battle between Bellingham and De Bruyne could be one of the most pivotal aspects of the game, with both players capable of single-handedly turning the tide in their team’s favor.

Ultimately, this clash will be a fascinating tactical battle between two elite managers. Ancelotti has experience on his side, having guided Madrid to multiple European triumphs, while Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity could prove decisive. The adjustments made by both managers throughout the game could determine who emerges victorious.

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on how Real Madrid copes with their defensive crisis. Can Ancelotti’s makeshift backline hold firm against one of the most potent attacks in world football? Or will Manchester City capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerabilities to secure a crucial advantage?

One thing is certain—this will be a high-stakes encounter that could go down as another unforgettable night in Champions League history.