Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti’s three-point plan for Man City vs Real Madrid second-leg
After a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw with Manchester City, Real Madrid will shift their focus to the second leg next week, as they look to secure a ticket to the UEFA Champions League final.
Due to the result of the first leg, Real Madrid must ensure a victory against Man City at the Etihad if they are to go through. The Spanish giants admittedly were a bit unlucky as Kevin de Bruyne’s equaliser should not have stood, as the ball was out of play during the build-up.
Real Madrid, though, have buried the hatchet and are focused on the second leg. According to Radio MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has come up with a three-point plan to beat Man City in the second leg next week.
The Italian manager plans to approach this game with a slight change in team selection. He wants to start Rodrygo on the bench, possibly retaining his services as more of an impact sub later on in the proceedings.
It must be noted that the Brazilian had played a spectacular cameo for Real Madrid against Man City in last season’s semifinal.
Another change in team selection could come in midfield, where Ancelotti plans to start with Eduardo Camavinga. The Frenchman has been a much-improved player since the turn of the year and could be deployed in the middle of the park, possibly alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Finally, Ancelotti plans to change the formation. He is thinking of deploying a 4-4-2, which would mean Federico Valverde might shift into the wide midfield slot, allowing Vinicius Junior to operate alongside Karim Benzema in the two-pronged Real Madrid attack.
The 4-4-2 formation should make Real Madrid much more sturdy during defensive formations. But at the same time, it could make them very sharp on the counter, especially with Vinicius Junior and Benzema making darting runs in behind the opposition backline.
However, given the quality of the opposition coach, it remains to be seen whether any of Ancelotti’s planned changes become useful for the away side next week.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
