**Published: May 10, 2025 | By ENOCH**
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear who he’s counting on most as Los Blancos prepare for one of the most critical Clásicos in recent memory. According to football analyst Edu Aguirre on *El Chiringuito TV*, Ancelotti sees **Kylian Mbappé** as the key to victory in Sunday’s high-stakes showdown against Barcelona.
With Real Madrid four points behind Barça and only four league games remaining, the Clásico is effectively a must-win. Knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals, this match is Madrid’s last realistic shot at silverware this season. Ancelotti, ever the strategist, is turning to his star forward to carry the team across the line.
**A Season-Defining Moment**
After three consecutive defeats to Barcelona this season, Madrid is desperate for redemption. Ancelotti believes that Mbappé, who has made an instant impact since arriving in the Spanish capital, can deliver in the moments that matter most. The Frenchman has scored 36 goals this season, including 25 in La Liga—just one behind Robert Lewandowski in the race for the Pichichi.
Mbappé’s ambition to finish as the league’s top scorer in his debut season has fueled his performances, and Ancelotti is betting on that hunger to spark a Clásico breakthrough.
**Tactical Adjustments to Empower Mbappé**
To maximize his star forward’s impact, Ancelotti has made subtle tweaks to his tactics. The recent inclusion of Arda Güler in the starting lineup has added creativity and improved link-up play, allowing Mbappé to thrive in space—particularly on the counterattack, where he is most dangerous.
But it’s not just Mbappé’s scoring ability that earns Ancelotti’s trust. The Italian coach values his leadership and presence in high-pressure moments. With so much on the line, Ancelotti knows the mental edge Mbappé brings can be just as crucial as his goals.
**Madrid’s Battle Plan and Injury Challenges**
Injuries have forced Ancelotti to rotate his defensive options, but he remains committed to a high-pressing style that mirrors the tactics Madrid used to defeat Barcelona in last season’s Copa del Rey final. The defense may be thin, but the focus is on disrupting Barça’s build-up play early and winning the ball high up the pitch.
Team captain Luka Modrić has rallied the squad behind this plan, emphasizing midfield control to support Mbappé’s attacking efforts. Training reports suggest Mbappé is pushing himself hard to be in peak condition, aware of how pivotal his role is.
**Barcelona’s Cautious Response**
On the other side, Barça coach Hansi Flick is expected to tailor his defense specifically to contain Mbappé, whose pace and clinical finishing make him a constant threat. Limiting his space will be a top priority for the Catalan side.
**The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher**
This Clásico could determine the fate of La Liga. A Madrid loss would all but seal the title for Barcelona, while a win would slash the gap to just one point and shift the momentum. Mbappé versus Lewandowski has all the makings of a classic individual battle within a colossal team contest.
Ancelotti, calm as ever, has kept the focus on discipline and execution. For him, Mbappé is more than a star—he’s the symbol of Madrid’s resilience and drive. As kickoff approaches, the pressure is building, and the world will be watching to see if the Frenchman can live up to the expectations.
