It’s become all too familiar – Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics have raised eyebrows once again, this time in Heliópolis. The decision to bench Asensio is still puzzling, and it’s not the first time this season that such a call has been made without an apparent reason. Opting to start with only two pure midfielders, Modric and Tchouaméni, didn’t seem like the most effective strategy. Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s delayed substitutions have become a staple of his coaching repertoire – you can’t help but wonder if he’ll eventually make changes in the shower. Among the front three, he chose to substitute Mbappé, who, even without a molar, outshone the other two, especially considering Vinicius’s dismal display of losing possession.
But it’s also true that Ancelotti didn’t receive much help from his players. The apathy and disinterest shown by certain team members were staggering – it’s times like these that you’d expect players to run for their coach, if not for the sake of the game itself. Yet, it seemed like nothing could motivate them. The team’s performance was so lackluster that Ancelotti admitted they wouldn’t win anytime soon if they continued playing like that. While the looming Champions League derby might have been a tempting distraction after an early 0-1 deficit, this lack of effort is uncharacteristic of a team like Real Madrid, which is known for fighting tooth and nail in every competition.
Perhaps the club’s stance on the league hasn’t helped matters. The institutional disregard for the league might be trickling down to the players, making them feel like their efforts won’t be valued. If Real Madrid doesn’t win the league, the powers that be won’t be too fussed – the official line seems to be that it’s being stolen from them. In that case, why bother fighting? It’s likely that some players might think it’s better to put all their eggs in the Champions League basket.
Despite everything, it’s unlikely that tomorrow’s match will be a repeat performance. It probably won’t be a good day to visit the Bernabéu.
Neither Atlético nor Barça are letting up
Atlético is arriving at the match armed and confident, currently in one of their best moments of the season. They know how to prolong eliminators and make the most of their chances. Simeone expertly manages his squad with precise changes, and the team responds in kind. They’re aware that they have a triple opportunity and the ammunition to seize it. Being eliminated from one competition won’t hinder them; instead, it will give them more leverage in the other two. The significant improvement brought about by signings like Julián Álvarez is noticeable on the field.
Barça, on the other hand, didn’t miss their chance. They faced a weakened Real Madrid, which was down to ten men, and simply had to wait for the goals to come. They’ve regained the top spot, and the three-point lead over Madrid at this stage of the season is invaluable – it’s pure gold.
In the end, it’s clear that both Atlético and Barça are in a strong position, while Real Madrid needs to regroup and reassess their strategy. One thing is certain – tomorrow’s match will be a thrilling encounter, with all teams fighting for every point. Will Real Madrid bounce back, or will their opponents capitalize on their misfortunes? Only time will tell.