Raúl Asencio absent against Valencia: the terrifying reason revealed 48 hours later

Real Madrid’s shocking 2-1 defeat to Valencia in La Liga’s Matchday 30 left fans frustrated, not only because of the scoreline but also due to the conspicuous absence of one of their rising stars, Raúl Asencio. As the dust settled over the weekend, fresh revelations from Madrid emerged, shedding light on why the 22-year-old defender did not step onto the pitch against Los Che.

The absence of Asencio, who has quickly become one of the most reliable names in Real Madrid’s backline since making his senior debut in November, immediately sparked concern among fans and pundits. The Las Palmas-born defender, known for his tenacity and tactical awareness, has been a vital presence in Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive structure. So why was he benched in one of the season’s critical games?

According to reports from Marca, the decision wasn’t purely tactical — it was driven by concern for the player’s physical well-being. And, surprisingly, it was the player himself who initiated the conversation that led to his exclusion from the lineup.

In the midweek Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad, Asencio had to request an early substitution just before extra time. The young defender, completely drained, admitted to the technical staff that he could no longer continue. His fatigue levels were described as “alarming” for a player still new to the professional scene.

Real Madrid’s medical team confirmed that while there was no injury, Asencio’s physical metrics signaled exhaustion. With the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal just around the corner, Ancelotti made a bold and protective choice — he benched Asencio, opting instead to play Aurélien Tchouaméni in an unfamiliar defensive role.

The irony, however, was painful. Tchouaméni, usually deployed as a defensive midfielder, struggled to bring the same level of assurance that Asencio offers in defense. Antonio Rüdiger, who partnered with him at the back, also had a rough outing. Lacking the support of his young teammate, the German was repeatedly exposed in aerial duels, particularly during Valencia’s opening goal scored by Moctar Diakhaby.

Critics were quick to question Ancelotti’s selection, but hindsight doesn’t negate the context. The Italian manager is dealing with a squad stretched to its physical limits, balancing domestic ambitions with European dreams. He opted to sacrifice a league game to preserve Asencio for Arsenal — a match that could define Madrid’s season.

The bigger issue here, however, may not just be about one player’s fatigue — but about an alarming trend in modern football. Asencio, just six months into his first-team experience, is already showing signs of physical burnout. The congested schedule, international commitments, and lack of rotation are clearly taking their toll on even the youngest legs in the squad.

This isn’t just a Real Madrid problem; it’s a football-wide crisis that’s beginning to manifest visibly in Europe’s biggest clubs. But for Madrid, the implications are dire. With the season entering its most critical phase, every match counts. Asencio’s absence was a calculated risk, but the loss against Valencia has now made it a gamble that didn’t pay off.

In light of this, attention turns to the upcoming Champions League clash against Arsenal. Asencio is expected to return to the starting lineup, rested and recharged. His presence will be vital in containing Arsenal’s blistering attack, which has proven to be one of the deadliest in Europe this season.

If Asencio can rise to the occasion, Ancelotti’s decision will be justified in hindsight. But if fatigue remains an issue, it could spell disaster for a Real Madrid team that is walking a tightrope between ambition and physical collapse.

The situation has also sparked discussions at the boardroom level. President Florentino Pérez, aware of the squad’s depth issues, is now being pressured to act in the summer transfer market. Reinforcements, especially in defense, are no longer a luxury — they’re a necessity.

Without adequate backup, the weight on players like Asencio becomes unsustainable. If this trend continues, Real Madrid’s late-season form will inevitably suffer, and with it, their chances of securing silverware.

Meanwhile, critics argue that Ancelotti has been too conservative in rotating his squad. Castilla talents like Agado, Lorenzo, Gonzalo, and Chema have been impressive at youth level but rarely see minutes with the senior team. Giving them opportunities could alleviate the pressure on regular starters and ensure a healthier squad overall.

Despite the setback, Madridistas remain hopeful. As one fan put it, “Real Madrid stumbles, but it never falls.” The loss to Valencia is a reminder of the fine margins in elite football — but also of the grit required to survive them.

Ancelotti’s management will come under further scrutiny depending on how the team performs against Arsenal. But in moments like these, with the odds stacked high and legs weary, the true character of champions is revealed.

Madrid’s quest for glory continues — bruised, but not broken. With Raúl Asencio back in the XI, and a battle against Arsenal looming, the next chapter promises intensity, drama, and perhaps, redemption.

Hala Madrid.