Ancelotti’s assistant, Davide, is urging the Italian coach to make a bold and unexpected decision, insisting on including the recently outstanding substitute star in the starting lineup

As the countdown to the third Clásico of the season enters its final hours, the tension in Madrid is palpable. The stakes could not be higher. This isn’t just any ordinary clash between Spain’s two footballing giants—this is a final. A title is on the line, and for Real Madrid, this match could be the defining moment of their season.

Real Madrid have already won the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup this season. However, they fell short in the Spanish Super Cup, and that wound still lingers. Tonight’s encounter with Barcelona offers a chance for redemption—and a third trophy. Florentino Pérez, ever the symbolic figure behind Real Madrid’s ambitions, has reportedly addressed the players with a rousing speech. According to club sources, he urged them to “leave everything on the pitch.”

The man tasked with making it all happen on the tactical front is Carlo Ancelotti. And this time, he’s under pressure not just to win, but to make a daring call. His son and assistant, Davide Ancelotti, has stepped forward with an unexpected plea. According to Defensa Central, Davide is urging his father to shake up the starting lineup and include the young Turkish sensation, Arda Güler, from the first whistle.

Güler, who has mostly appeared as a substitute this season, is now being touted for a starring role. And it’s not without reason. In his most recent appearances, the 19-year-old has dazzled with his sharp dribbling, confident playmaking, and fearless decision-making. He has shown an ability to read the game at a mature level, and Davide believes this is precisely what Real Madrid need to unlock Barcelona’s defense.

Davide has reportedly done his homework, carefully analyzing Barcelona’s latest La Liga match against Mallorca. What stood out to him was the space that Mallorca was able to exploit behind Barcelona’s high line. Güler, with his ability to thread killer passes between defenders, could be the missing link to capitalize on those pockets of space.

“It’s not just about his technical skill,” Davide reportedly told close coaching staff. “It’s the timing of his passes. He sees the game two steps ahead. Those passes behind defenders could be the key to linking up with Vinícius and Kylian.”

This recommendation is bold, considering the magnitude of the match. Most coaches would rely on their seasoned regulars, but the younger Ancelotti is challenging tradition. It’s a move that could either be hailed as genius or criticized as reckless, depending on the outcome.

Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, has kept his cards close to his chest. During the pre-match press conference, he chose not to name the starting lineup but praised the energy and hunger within the squad. “We are ready for a battle,” he said. “Clásicos are unique. The emotion, the intensity—it’s all magnified. We need every player to rise to the occasion.”

The inclusion of Güler would send a clear message—not only to the fans but also to the locker room—that performance and form, not just seniority, dictate playing time under Ancelotti.

This could also mark a turning point in Güler’s Real Madrid career. The Turkish starlet joined the club with high expectations, and while injuries and competition have limited his minutes, he’s now knocking hard on the door. A standout performance in a final against Barcelona could solidify his place in the first-team plans moving forward.

There’s also a long-term dimension to this call. Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid is not guaranteed. Rumors continue to swirl about a potential summer departure or even a new project with the Brazilian national team. A strong showing in this final, especially one built on a daring tactical decision like starting Güler, could strengthen his case to stay.

For the fans, tonight’s game is much more than a trophy. It’s about pride, revenge, and belief in the future. Real Madrid supporters haven’t forgotten the bitter loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. A victory tonight could erase that pain and reinforce Madrid’s dominance on multiple fronts.

Güler, if selected, will carry both the pressure and the hopes of a club built on moments of brilliance. His link-up with Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé could be a glimpse into the club’s attacking future—a trio of pace, flair, and unpredictability.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are not expected to hold back. With their own young stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri ready to shine, the Clásico will once again be a battlefield of generations. Experience versus youth. Structure versus improvisation.

Should Ancelotti trust Davide’s advice, and if Güler delivers, this Clásico could be remembered not just for the scoreline—but for the moment a rising star stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight under the brightest lights in football.

All eyes now turn to the starting XI. Will Arda Güler’s name be among the first eleven? Will Carlo listen to his son’s footballing intuition? Only a few hours separate speculation from history.

One thing is certain: the boldness of Davide Ancelotti’s push has already sparked debate across Spain. Tonight, it might just spark Real Madrid’s next triumph.