Poor Against Bilbao, Ancelotti’s Star Loses His Place for the Copa Final

With the 2025 Copa del Rey final just days away, all eyes are on Carlo Ancelotti as he prepares for one of the most critical matches of Real Madrid’s season — a Clasico showdown against eternal rivals Barcelona. After falling short in their last two encounters with the Catalan giants, this final in Seville represents more than just a trophy; it’s a shot at redemption and a lifeline in Madrid’s bid to salvage their season.

Sunday’s clash with Athletic Bilbao gave Ancelotti one last opportunity to test his tactics and personnel ahead of the final. With Kylian Mbappé unavailable, the Italian reverted to a familiar formation — the 4-4-2 that had served him well last season. It was a move aimed at regaining balance, especially defensively, as Madrid look to steady a ship that’s faced stormy waters lately.

While the structure offered some promise, not every player lived up to expectations. In particular, Rodrygo Goes, once considered an untouchable in Ancelotti’s attack, delivered another underwhelming performance. Lacking presence, composure, and urgency, the Brazilian offered little against Bilbao and failed to influence the match when Madrid needed him most.

Too often disconnected from the heart of the attack and reluctant to drive into dangerous areas, Rodrygo seemed out of sync — a shadow of the player fans hoped he would become this season. His ineffective runs and poor decision-making made it easier for Bilbao’s defenders to neutralize Madrid’s offensive efforts.

Ancelotti, clearly unimpressed, wasted no time in reacting. Rodrygo was substituted early in the second half — a sign of just how little patience the manager now has with those who underperform. With a high-stakes final looming, such performances can no longer be tolerated.

That display likely sealed Rodrygo’s fate. With Mbappé expected to return for the final, it’s almost certain that he will partner Vinicius Jr. in a two-man attack. The duo offers speed, flair, and a killer instinct that Rodrygo has failed to provide in recent weeks.

Ancelotti addressed the tactical shift in his post-match press conference, explaining: “My preferred system is the 4-4-2 because it gives us better defensive stability. But that doesn’t mean we have to play with four midfielders. We can adapt it — we’ve done so with Vini on one side and Rodrygo on the other. But we can also bring in more attacking options from the midfield.”

While that tactical flexibility sounds promising, it also makes one thing clear — there’s no more room for sentiment. Players must now earn their place on merit, and Rodrygo has simply not done enough. In contrast, Mbappé’s hunger and Vinicius’s consistent energy make them the clear favorites for the starting lineup.

Another name making waves is Endrick. The young Brazilian has been getting more minutes lately, and his explosive style offers something different — urgency and aggression that Rodrygo has lacked. His involvement in recent games hints that Ancelotti is already planning for the future while still trying to win in the present.

This is a critical juncture not just for Rodrygo, but for Ancelotti himself. The pressure is mounting. A loss to Barcelona in the final would mark a third straight Clasico defeat and could have dire consequences for the Italian coach, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the year. Many believe a failure on Saturday could bring an early end to his tenure.

For Ancelotti, this final could be make-or-break. He must deliver a trophy to ease the pressure, restore belief in the squad, and keep Madrid’s title hopes alive in La Liga. That means prioritizing form over loyalty, and making the kind of tough calls that define great managers.

Inside the dressing room, Rodrygo still has supporters. Many admire his work ethic and his loyalty to the club. But football at this level is ruthless. One poor performance — especially in a critical match like this — can have long-lasting repercussions.

This final isn’t just another game. It’s a turning point. For Madrid, it’s a chance to claim their first Clasico win of the season, to lift a major trophy, and to reignite belief heading into the final stretch. For Ancelotti, it’s about survival. For Rodrygo, it might just be the beginning of a downward spiral unless he finds a way to reinvent himself quickly.

In a club with standards as high as Real Madrid’s, missing out on a Clasico final isn’t just disappointing — it’s potentially damning. Whether Rodrygo can fight his way back remains to be seen, but for now, he will likely watch from the bench as the biggest match of Madrid’s season unfolds without him.

All attention now turns to Seville. Real Madrid is gearing up for war, and Ancelotti knows that anything less than a victory could mean the end. For better or worse, he’s made his call. Rodrygo is out. The stakes couldn’t be higher.