Ancelotti’s striker, who should not play against Arsenal, pointed out after Alavés

As Real Madrid prepare for what could be a season-defining night at the Santiago Bernabéu, all eyes are on Carlo Ancelotti and the crucial decisions he must make ahead of the second leg against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium last week has left Los Blancos with a mountain to climb, but stranger things have happened on European nights in Madrid.

With the Spanish giants returning from a narrow 1-0 win against Alavés in La Liga, concerns have grown over the form and impact of one specific forward—Rodrygo Goes. Once hailed as a Champions League hero for his last-minute exploits and game-changing performances, Rodrygo now finds himself at the center of criticism after another disappointing showing.

On Sunday, Ancelotti opted to start Rodrygo on the left wing, moving Vinícius Júnior into a slightly central role while resting others. However, the Brazilian forward struggled immensely to influence the match. His dribbles failed to penetrate the defense, his passes lacked imagination, and, most worryingly, his confidence appeared shattered. For a player once seen as clutch in Europe, this version of Rodrygo is unrecognizable.

There’s a growing belief among fans and analysts alike that Rodrygo should be left out of the starting eleven for the decisive clash against Arsenal. His recent dip in form, especially when measured against the demands of high-stakes Champions League matches, has made his inclusion a significant risk. While his past heroics can’t be denied, present performance must dictate future selection.

In contrast, one name has quietly pushed into the conversation: Brahim Díaz. The Spaniard, often utilized as a rotational player this season, has shown moments of brilliance whenever called upon. His agility, close control, and ability to provoke defenders into fouls make him a genuine weapon—particularly when faced with compact defenses like Arsenal’s.

Against Alavés, Brahim came off the bench and immediately offered more verticality and urgency than Rodrygo had in 70 minutes. While he didn’t score or assist, his contribution was felt, and it was a reminder that Real Madrid might already have the answer to their attacking woes sitting on the bench.

Kylian Mbappé, despite being sent off in the Alavés match for a reckless challenge, remains a guaranteed starter for Wednesday night. The Frenchman has had his own share of frustrations adjusting to Madrid’s tactical rhythm but still offers the kind of threat that makes defenders drop deep and panic. His suspension in La Liga doesn’t affect his availability for Europe, giving Ancelotti a world-class option through the middle.

Vinícius Júnior, who scored the winner on Sunday, is another undroppable asset. The Brazilian’s message on Instagram after the match showed both urgency and belief: “Now we think about Wednesday. We are ready and we hope that Wednesday will come. We are waiting for you at the Bernabéu and we will try to do everything. We are Real Madrid… Hala Madrid.”

With Mbappé and Vinícius locked in, the question then becomes: who joins them to complete the attacking trident? If Ancelotti prioritizes form and impact over sentiment and past records, Brahim Díaz might just earn his place. His ability to cut in from the right and combine with the midfield adds a layer of unpredictability that Rodrygo is currently unable to offer.

It wouldn’t be the first time a bold decision has turned the tide for Real Madrid in Europe. Ancelotti, a manager known for his calm demeanor but sharp instincts, must weigh up not only the physical attributes of his players but also the psychological ones. Rodrygo may still be haunted by his anonymous performance in the first leg, and starting him again could be more damaging than helpful.

Still, the Brazilian is not entirely out of the picture. In fact, his best performances in recent memory have come as a substitute—when the pressure is slightly reduced, and when defenses are fatigued. Should Real Madrid manage to score early, bringing Rodrygo on in the second half could yield better results than starting him from the first whistle.

This potential change could also alter the way Arsenal prepare defensively. Mikel Arteta’s side will likely anticipate Rodrygo as a starter, given his track record in Champions League knockouts. Swapping him out for Brahim could force the Gunners to adjust mid-game, which might give Madrid an edge in the psychological battle.

Moreover, if Ancelotti’s goal is to generate momentum early on, Brahim’s energetic style is a more natural fit. His pressing, quick turns, and ability to beat a man one-on-one could disrupt Arsenal’s buildup from the back and potentially create the chaos Madrid need to force errors and snatch early goals.

That being said, Real Madrid will need more than tactical tweaks to overturn a three-goal deficit. The midfield must click, the defense must remain airtight, and the Bernabéu crowd must become the infamous “12th man.” But none of that will matter if the frontline fails to deliver.

The stakes are too high for sentimentality. If Madrid want to keep their Champions League hopes alive, Ancelotti must be ruthless. And that means benching Rodrygo—a player who has given much in past seasons but is currently out of sync with the team’s rhythm and demands.

Wednesday’s match could be historic. It could be another magical comeback, one that echoes the legendary remontadas of Real Madrid’s storied past. But for that to happen, every player must be at their best. And right now, Rodrygo simply isn’t.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, one thing is certain: the Bernabéu expects not just a performance, but a spectacle. If Ancelotti gets his lineup right—and if players like Brahim Díaz step up—then the miracle many believe is impossible might just unfold under the Madrid lights once again.