Real Madrid face a crucial Champions League clash against RB Salzburg this Wednesday, but they’ll do so without their primary right-back, Lucas Vazquez, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. With Dani Carvajal already sidelined for the rest of the season due to a severe injury, Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to make an unconventional choice for the right-back position.
Real Madrid are currently in a precarious situation in the Champions League, having secured only 9 points from their first six matches. With no room for error, the team must turn things around in their bid to progress further in the competition. In addition to Vazquez’s absence, several key players, including Camavinga, Carvajal, and Militao, are also out due to injury.
Federico Valverde’s Deployment at Right-Back
To address the gap left by Vazquez, Ancelotti has opted to deploy Federico Valverde, a versatile midfielder, in the right-back role. According to Marca, the Madrid coach is turning to Valverde for his experience and adaptability in high-stakes matches, especially given the importance of this game.
This move reflects Ancelotti’s desire to field players with top-level experience, even in unfamiliar positions, as Valverde has proven himself in various roles before. In central defense, Raúl Asensio is expected to partner Antonio Rüdiger, while David Alaba, who has recently returned from injury, will feature in his usual position.
Real Madrid’s Struggles and the Importance of the Match
Real Madrid’s current injury crisis has put a strain on their squad, and the financial limitations imposed by the club’s executives have made it difficult to reinforce the team until the next transfer window. A loss against RB Salzburg, who are reportedly confident about causing an upset at the Santiago Bernabéu, would be a significant setback for both the team and Ancelotti.
Currently ranked 22nd in the Champions League standings, Real Madrid desperately need a win to move within one point of the top 8, which would guarantee a spot in the round of 16.
With the stakes higher than ever, the team’s resilience will be tested in this pivotal fixture.
