Real Madrid face a defensive crisis ahead of their Champions League clash against Manchester City. With key defenders Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Éder Militão all sidelined due to injuries, the situation worsened when Lucas Vázquez, initially named in the squad, withdrew after experiencing discomfort in his thigh. This season, Madrid has suffered 36 injuries, 26 of them muscular, forcing manager Carlo Ancelotti to adapt.
Ancelotti described the situation as a “total emergency.” His defensive options are severely limited, with only two natural left-backs, Fran García and Ferland Mendy, along with academy product Raúl Asencio, who has played 19 games this season. Jesús Vallejo, a rarely used central defender, remains an option, but he has played just once all season. Ancelotti has also deployed Aurélien Tchouaméni, typically a central midfielder, as a makeshift center-back in 14 of his 29 appearances. Additional academy players, Jacobo Ramón and Lorenzo Aguado, have been called up, but their involvement remains uncertain. The likely right-back choice is Fede Valverde, another midfielder, which could weaken Madrid’s midfield further.
Despite their defensive struggles, Madrid remains competitive, leading La Liga, reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages. However, their performances against top teams have raised concerns. Madrid has already lost seven times this season, compared to just two defeats in the entire previous campaign. Against elite opposition, their record has been underwhelming, failing to dominate games against the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, and Milan.
Offensively, Madrid boasts a formidable attack. Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham have scored over 60 goals combined. Mbappé, after a slow start, has been in exceptional form, netting 13 goals in his last 14 matches, while Rodrygo has contributed seven goals and four assists since the start of the year. However, Madrid’s structure has suffered, often resembling an unbalanced 4-2-4 formation, leaving gaps in midfield. Moving Tchouaméni to defense and shifting Valverde to full-back only amplifies this issue, as Madrid lacks central midfield depth, with only Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga, who is returning from injury, available.
Ancelotti has been vocal about the need for balance but is reluctant to sacrifice attacking talent. Earlier in the season, he embraced a more chaotic, attacking approach, acknowledging the lack of control but prioritizing offensive output. Madrid thrives in open, high-intensity matches where individual talent can decide the game, but defensive frailties remain a concern, particularly against City.
After a 1-1 draw in the Madrid derby, Ancelotti hinted that his tactical approach for City could work. He adjusted his setup at halftime, forming four defensive lines while maintaining an aggressive attacking presence. He demanded more discipline from his players and stressed the importance of pressing. However, his overarching concern since the start of the season has been commitment and work rate, elements he believes must be present in their performance against City.
With their defensive lineup stretched thin, Madrid will need to rely on their attacking firepower and tactical discipline to stand a chance. Against a team as strong as City, the challenge is immense, but Ancelotti hopes that the magnitude of the match will inspire his players to rise to the occasion.
