Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti set to deploy ‘Real Madrid B team’ against Atletico Madrid
Despite supposedly being a team in ‘transition’, Real Madrid have dominated world football on all fronts this season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side sealed the league title last week with their win over Espanyol with over four games in hand. Meanwhile, the team pulled over an unimaginable comeback against Manchester City to advance to the finals of the prestigious competition.
With the league done and dusted, the manager prioritises the European competition now.
The final against Liverpool is scheduled for later this month, and hence, it is the ideal time for Ancelotti to bench his starters, despite the next game being the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid.
According to reports from Diario AS, the coach has decided to field his ‘B team’ against Atletico. The clash would see several key players rested and fringe players given a start.
Lucas Vazquez, Marcelo, and Jesus Vallejo are reportedly set to start in the backline on the night, with Daniel Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao given a rest.
Meanwhile, it is expected that the veteran trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro start on the bench too. In their place, the likes of Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga could be given a chance.
While the combination in the front three is difficult to predict, Marco Asensio is ready to feature at Wanda Metropolitano. Combeack hero Rodrygo, too, could make the appearance form the get-go.
The Madrid derby has already got into a fair share of controversy after Atletico denied to give their rivals a guard of honour for their 35th league title. While Los Blancos will field a weaker team, it will be interesting to see how the backup players perform under pressure.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
