Real vs Atlético: The player Carlo Ancelotti should not field for this clash!

As the La Liga title race intensifies, Real Madrid will welcome their fierce city rivals, Atlético Madrid, to the Santiago Bernabéu for the 23rd matchday. With just one point separating the two sides, the stakes could not be higher. However, Carlo Ancelotti faces a major selection dilemma, especially in defence, as injuries continue to pile up. The Italian tactician will have to make crucial adjustments to ensure his team remains competitive against a determined Atlético side.

The first leg at the Civitas Metropolitano ended in a tense 1-1 draw, setting the stage for an electrifying rematch. With both teams vying for supremacy in the Spanish top flight, a victory could be a turning point in the title race. Unfortunately for Los Blancos, they will be without some of their most reliable defensive options, leaving Ancelotti with limited choices.

Real Madrid’s defensive crisis deepened last weekend when Antonio Rüdiger suffered a knock that rules him out of this crucial encounter. Meanwhile, David Alaba, who has been an integral part of the backline, picked up a muscle injury during training on Tuesday, further complicating Ancelotti’s plans. With these two stalwarts missing, the Real Madrid defence appears vulnerable against Atlético’s attacking firepower.

Under normal circumstances, Ancelotti would have turned to his squad depth to compensate for the absentees. However, recent performances have raised concerns over whether certain players can handle the intensity of such a high-stakes match. One name in particular has sparked debate among Madridistas—Jacobo Ramon.

The young defender was handed his debut against Leganés in the Copa del Rey, but his performance left much to be desired. Ramon struggled with aerial duels and showed hesitancy in one-on-one situations, allowing opposition attackers to exploit gaps in the defence. While his potential is undeniable, throwing him into a fiery Madrid derby could be disastrous for both the player and the team.

At 1.90m, Ramon possesses the physical attributes to compete at the highest level, but his inexperience at this stage of the season makes him a liability. Against an Atlético Madrid attack that thrives on pressing and exploiting defensive errors, his lack of composure could prove costly. Ancelotti must avoid the temptation of fielding him and instead look for a more reliable solution.

One viable alternative is shifting Aurélien Tchouaméni to the center-back role. The French midfielder has previously been deployed in defence and has demonstrated his ability to read the game well. While not a natural center-back, Tchouaméni offers defensive solidity, positioning awareness, and physicality—qualities that will be crucial in stopping Atlético’s dangerous forwards.

Ancelotti has experimented with makeshift centre-back pairings in the past, and Tchouaméni’s presence alongside Raul Asensio could provide the stability needed in such a critical match. Asensio, despite his limited experience, has shown glimpses of promise and could benefit from Tchouaméni’s leadership on the pitch.

Real Madrid’s full-backs will also have a major role to play in this encounter. Whether it is Ferland Mendy or Fran Garcia starting on the left, they must strike the perfect balance between defensive duties and attacking contributions. With Atlético’s counter-attacking style, leaving spaces at the back could be fatal.

Another area of concern is the right-back position, where Lucas Vázquez remains a doubt due to an injury sustained before the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. In his absence, Federico Valverde could be deployed in a makeshift right-back role, as he has done in the past. His energy, tactical intelligence, and defensive discipline make him a feasible option.

While Real Madrid’s defence will be makeshift, their attacking department remains formidable. The trio of Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, and Kylian Mbappé will be relied upon to break down Atlético’s resolute defence. Meanwhile, in midfield, Jude Bellingham’s creativity and work rate will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.

The referee for this clash has already drawn attention, with some Real Madrid fans perceiving him as “hostile” to Los Blancos. Given the history of controversial decisions in this fixture, Madridistas will be hoping for a fair officiating display to avoid any unnecessary setbacks.

Ultimately, Ancelotti must make a calculated decision when selecting his starting eleven. While injuries have forced his hand in certain areas, he must ensure that experience and composure take precedence over experimentation. Deploying Jacobo Ramon in such a high-pressure match would be a significant risk, one that could potentially backfire and damage Madrid’s title aspirations.

A Madrid derby is never just another game; it is a battle for supremacy, pride, and momentum. Real Madrid must be at their best tactically and mentally to overcome an Atlético side hungry for an upset. The Santiago Bernabéu will undoubtedly be rocking, and Los Blancos must rise to the occasion to secure a vital three points in their pursuit of La Liga glory.