It fell at Real Madrid after Alaves: “He won’t be in the starting line-up against Arsenal”

Real Madrid’s hopes of staging another memorable Champions League comeback against Arsenal have taken a small hit, as it has now been confirmed that Dani Ceballos will not start in the crucial second leg quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabéu.

After spending 45 days on the sidelines due to a muscular injury, Ceballos made his long-awaited return to action during Real Madrid’s recent La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés. However, he only managed to get six minutes of playing time — a limitation imposed not only by his recovery timeline but also by the unexpected red card to Kylian Mbappé in the first half, which disrupted Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical plans entirely.

Despite being visibly eager to contribute to the team’s comeback ambitions, the Spanish midfielder has been deemed not fully ready to start such a high-stakes encounter. According to reports from Defensa Central, Davide Ancelotti, Carlo’s trusted assistant and son, was firm in stating that while Ceballos is physically available, he’s not at the level required to endure a match of such intensity from the very first whistle.

“Dani is in good shape, but not yet ready to start a game like this,” Davide reportedly told his father. “He could help us later in the match if needed, especially if things become tight or tactical in the closing stages.”

This news comes as a disappointment for many Madridistas who were hoping to see the 28-year-old midfielder feature more prominently, especially considering his unique blend of composure, technical ability, and game-reading skills — all qualities that could prove vital in breaking down Arsenal’s structured midfield.

Ceballos’ cameo against Alavés, though brief, showed glimpses of his footballing intelligence. He executed a neat nutmeg and drew a foul inside the penalty area — a sign that he hadn’t lost his touch. But that alone wasn’t enough to convince the coaching staff to trust him with a starting role in what is likely Real Madrid’s biggest game of the season so far.

Real Madrid trail 3-0 on aggregate following a disastrous night at the Emirates Stadium. The defeat left the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb, and only a perfect night at the Bernabéu would give them any chance of reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

In such moments, experience and mental fortitude matter just as much as tactical setups — and this is where Ceballos could play a key role off the bench. His vision and ball control might help Los Blancos dominate possession during the latter stages, especially if they manage to score early and shift the pressure back onto the Gunners.

Despite his reduced role, Ceballos remains upbeat and focused on helping his team in any capacity. He shared his excitement on social media: “Después de 45 días, no hay mejor sensación que volver y poder ayudar a mi equipo. Nos vemos el miércoles en casa para intentar hacer posible lo imposible.” (After 45 days, there’s no better feeling than being back and able to help my team. See you on Wednesday at home to try to make the impossible possible.)

The message not only reflects his positivity but also the overall mood in the Madrid camp — one of resilience and belief. Real Madrid have a long history of pulling off unlikely comebacks, especially under the bright lights of the Bernabéu, and they are banking on that magic once again.

Carlo Ancelotti, a master tactician known for staying calm under pressure, is planning every detail with his staff. Each player has a clear role, and even those on the bench, like Ceballos, are expected to be ready to change the course of the game if called upon.

Throughout this season, Ceballos has grown into a more mature and well-rounded midfielder. Though injuries have slowed his momentum, when fit, he’s shown that he can orchestrate play, press aggressively, and unlock defences with his passing range — making him a trusted asset in Ancelotti’s setup.

His leadership and experience in the dressing room could also be pivotal. In games like these, communication and emotional balance are as important as tactics. Veterans like Ceballos help steady the team when nerves kick in.

The midfield battle against Arsenal will be intense, especially with players like Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Jorginho likely to control the tempo. Madrid will need all the help they can get, even if it comes in the final 20 minutes.

Real Madrid fans have responded with support for Ceballos, praising his dedication and passion for the badge. They know how valuable he can be in knockout matches, even when coming off the bench.

In previous Champions League runs, Real Madrid have turned to squad players in decisive moments — from Lucas Vázquez to Marco Asensio — and Ceballos might just be the next name to etch himself into comeback folklore.

As the countdown to Wednesday’s epic clash continues, Ancelotti is keeping his cards close to his chest. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this team, it’s to never count them out — not at the Bernabéu, and not in the Champions League.

And who knows? Ceballos may not start, but he could very well finish the match as one of the key figures in what could become another legendary night in Real Madrid history.