2-5 Wake-Up Call for Real Madrid: Ancelotti Plans Three Major Adjustments

The fallout from Real Madrid’s humbling 2-5 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final has sent shockwaves through the club. According to Marca journalist José Díaz, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, general manager José Ángel Sánchez, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti are set to meet in the coming days to dissect the loss and map out a strategy for recovery.

This result, combined with a 0-4 thrashing in the previous El Clásico just 78 days ago, has exposed significant cracks in Madrid’s armor. Two heavy defeats, a combined 2-9 scoreline, have sounded alarm bells at the Santiago Bernabéu. Ancelotti recognizes the urgency for change and has outlined three key areas for improvement.

Breaking Up the “Fantastic Four”

The decision to start Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham together in high-stakes matches has backfired. While this quartet boasts immense attacking firepower, it has left the team vulnerable defensively.

Mbappé’s reluctance to press and Vinícius’ inconsistent defensive contributions have placed undue strain on Madrid’s backline. Against Barcelona, this imbalance was ruthlessly exploited, with Madrid’s defense often outnumbered and overwhelmed.

Ancelotti is now considering a more pragmatic approach, potentially benching one of the four stars in crucial matches to restore balance. This tactical adjustment aims to enhance Madrid’s defensive solidity without sacrificing too much offensive potency.

Reevaluating the Center-Back Pairing

While Antonio Rüdiger has been a reliable presence at the heart of Madrid’s defense, Aurélien Tchouaméni’s performances have raised concerns. The Frenchman’s struggles against pacey and agile attackers were glaringly evident as he was outclassed by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in the final.

Tchouaméni’s lack of agility and slow reaction times have become liabilities in high-intensity games. If Madrid opts against reinforcing the defense in the January transfer window, Ancelotti may turn to Raúl Asensio as an alternative option, potentially replacing Tchouaméni in the lineup.

The Right-Back Dilemma

Real Madrid’s issues at right-back are well-documented, and the Super Cup final only highlighted the urgency for reinforcements. The club had initially planned to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer in the summer, but the devastating defeat to Barcelona has prompted a rethink.

There is now a possibility that Madrid will make a move for Alexander-Arnold in January, despite the financial implications. Ancelotti is reportedly open to deploying Federico Valverde as a makeshift right-back in the interim, but this solution comes with its own set of challenges. Valverde’s absence in midfield would weaken Madrid’s ball-winning and transition capabilities, areas where neither Eduardo Camavinga, Tchouaméni, nor Dani Ceballos can match his impact.

Winter Transfer Window: A Crucial Period

With 20 days remaining in the January transfer window, Real Madrid faces a pivotal juncture. The current squad, with its glaring deficiencies, is ill-equipped to compete on multiple fronts. The Champions League, La Liga, and the FIFA Club World Cup all loom large on the horizon, and significant reinforcements are needed to sustain Madrid’s ambitions.

Commentary: A Moment of Reckoning

Real Madrid’s 2-5 loss to Barcelona is more than just a defeat—it’s a moment of reckoning. For a club of Madrid’s stature, such results are unacceptable, and the demand for immediate action is justified.

Ancelotti’s proposed changes reflect a willingness to adapt and address the team’s vulnerabilities. Breaking up the “Fantastic Four” may be a tough decision, but it underscores the importance of balance in modern football. Similarly, the pursuit of Alexander-Arnold signals Madrid’s intent to strengthen their squad and rectify their defensive frailties.

This period of introspection could prove transformative for Los Blancos. With the right adjustments, they have the potential to turn this setback into a springboard for success. However, failure to act decisively in the coming weeks could see Madrid’s season unravel further.

For a club steeped in history and success, the stakes have never been higher. The next 20 days will define not just the remainder of this season but potentially the trajectory of the club’s immediate future.