Real Madrid travel to Liverpool this Wednesday November 27 (9 p.m.) in the Champions League. After a complicated start to the season, the Madrilenians are playing big, and could plunge back into crisis in the event of a defeat.
A humiliation during the Clasico against Barça (0-4), a defeat against Milan (1-3), and Real Madrid fell into crisis more than a month ago now. Since then, the crisis has been on hold. The truce and the victories against Osasuna (4-0) and Leganés (0-2) put it on standby.
But this Wednesday, November 27, this crisis could come knocking again. The criticisms of the Spanish press and supporters are ready. In the event of a defeat at Anfield, Real Madrid will once again be in a state of emergency, and some of its symbols will be on the front line in the face of the new wind of reproaches directed towards the Merengues. This shock against Liverpool presents itself as a turning point for Real, who are playing big on several fronts.
Mbappé, the whole left for him
It is first of all for Kylian Mbappé that this 5th day of the Champions League is a turning point. Against Leganés on Sunday, he was lined up for the first time this season in his preferred position, left side. Vinicius Junior occupied the axis. But the Brazilian injured the biceps femoris of his left leg, and will not be part of England.
This therefore leaves the field open to Kylian Mbappé. This time, the Frenchman is expected to be the real offensive boss of Real Madrid. “Mbappé must shut mouths in Liverpool”, simplifies AS, which places the match “in the hands” of the native of Bondy. In his position, he must shine, otherwise he will be the first targeted by critics after the meeting. Author of a good performance and a goal in Leganés, the former Parisian stopped a series of four matches without finding the back of the net.
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In Liverpool, where he has already scored in the past with PSG, all eyes will once again be on him. Without Vinicius, he could be the face of a new failure for Real, or that of what would almost be an exploit. A victory would allow Madrid to escape the crisis, and Kylian Mbappé to truly launch his Spanish adventure by leading his team into a big match.
Record holder Ancelotti in danger
In Madrid, winning 14 titles does not guarantee you immunity. Carlo Ancelotti, 65, is surely the one who was most questioned during the Real crisis. The sluggish play and the three defeats this season have pushed some of the club's followers to imagine his departure.
The criticisms are harsh, to the point of annoying the “mister”. Is he partly responsible for all of his team's injuries? “No one can advise me on how to make changes. I have coached 1,300 matches, fielded 1,300 starting lineups, and made over 4,000 changes. I don’t think anyone here can give me any advice,” the Italian retorted dryly at a press conference the day before the match.
Facing Liverpool, at his former club's enemy Everton, Carlo Ancelotti will experience a special moment. At the enemy of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson's long-time team, Carlo Ancelotti will beat the Scot's record. For the 215th time, he will lead a team in a Champions League match, an absolute record.
He will go down in history whatever happens, but also risks entering into all the debates on the Spanish channels if Real Madrid are outclassed this Wednesday.
A new injury would put the spotlight back on Antonio Pintus. The team's physical trainer has been singled out by the local press in recent weeks. Beyond the injuries, a shock against the leader of the intense English championship will allow us to know more about the physical level of the group today.
Real Madrid threatened in the Champions League?
But above all, this poster will be a turning point for the Madrid collective. Is he capable today of competing with one of the very best teams in Europe? “It’s going to be a difficult challenge, but I’m very confident. I have a lot of confidence in this group, I have faith,” replies Jude Bellingham, who hopes to “continue the same” as in the last two La Liga matches.
A test in the field, and pressure for results. Before the second Champions League evening of the week, Real Madrid are in 21st place in the rankings. A defeat would threaten to take the Madrilenians out of the top 24, qualifying for the play-offs.
