In a surprising development ahead of tonight’s match, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly considering resting Toni Rüdiger and could opt to play David Alaba at centre back instead. This potential tactical change was reported by Spanish outlet AS, raising questions about the defensive lineup for the upcoming fixture.
Rüdiger, who has been a key figure in Real Madrid’s defense this season, has been instrumental in the team’s solid defensive record. However, with a busy fixture schedule ahead and the club competing on multiple fronts, Ancelotti may choose to rotate his squad, providing Rüdiger with some much-needed rest.
Alaba, who has vast experience playing in central defense, is well-versed in stepping into that role. The Austrian international has played both at left-back and centre-back for Real Madrid, and his versatility could prove crucial if Ancelotti decides to shuffle his defensive options. The move would allow the manager to keep Rüdiger fresh for upcoming challenges while relying on Alaba’s leadership and experience at the heart of the defense.
While it remains uncertain whether this change will be implemented in tonight’s match, it is clear that Ancelotti is looking to manage his squad carefully, especially with key matches coming up in both domestic and European competitions. The decision will likely come down to fitness and tactical considerations as Real Madrid aims to maintain their competitive edge.
Stay tuned for more updates as we await the official team lineup and see if Ancelotti follows through with this potential rotation.