Real Madrid News
Ancelotti likely to rest key Real Madrid duo against Elche – report
Amidst the upcoming fixture congestion, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make several changes to the team that will take the field against Elche on October 19.
To begin with, Spanish publication MARCA says given that Eduardo Camavinga needs minutes in his tank, the young Frenchman could feature in place of either Toni Kroos, Luka Modric or Aurelien Tchouameni, with the Croatian international most likely the one to be rested.
Furthermore, the attacking trio may see a similar change. Federico Valverde has emerged as a key performer for Real Madrid this season and has played very regularly. The Uruguayan could use a rest, especially considering the nature of the opposition.
In his place, Rodrygo Goes or even Marco Asensio could get a run-out at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight, lining up alongside Vinicius Jr and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.
Meanwhile, the away game against Elche will see Ancelotti missing some players, the first and foremost being Thibaut Courtois. The goalkeeper, who began training with the rest of the squad, has been left home by his manager to achieve better match fitness.
This means Andriy Lunin will retain his place while the likes of Nacho and Antonio Rudiger may return to the starting XI against the Franjiverde team.
Apart from Courtois, Mariano Diaz and Dani Ceballos are also missing for Real Madrid. The former observed some discomfort in his foot due to a blow in the training on Monday while the latter continues to work inside the facilities in order to recover from his muscular injury.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
