Real Madrid could take a decisive step this Wednesday in the Champions League, or find themselves in a delicate situation next week to hope to continue their journey in European competition. After getting some fresh air during a perilous visit to Bérgamo, where the team was in great difficulty after defeats against Lille, Milan and Liverpool, Carlo Ancelotti’s team faces Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
To at least ensure qualification for the round of 16, a victory is imperative. Indeed, in the event of a poor performance against the Austrians, the trip planned for the following week to Brest could turn into a death match for the club, crowned fifteen times European champion.
“It’s an important match because the first phase of this Champions is coming to an end. We need to maximize our points and evaluate our position in the classification. Tomorrow’s match is vital in this regard,” underlined Carlo Ancelotti ahead of this crucial meeting, not only for the survival of his team, but also for his own future.
Despite his five titles with Real Madrid, more than any other coach in the history of this prestigious club, Carletto operates on unstable ground. Each defeat calls his position into question, even if he was able to turn things around at Chamartín after a difficult period. The coach knows how thankless the football industry can be.
Visibly irritated by recent criticism, some even suggest a voluntary departure from Ancelotti at the end of the season due to accumulated fatigue. However, he denied this hypothesis, saying he wanted to remain at the head of the team as long as Florentino Pérez exercises his mandate until 2029. However, he is aware that a fall in the Champions League would compromise all his plans. “The date of my departure from this club, I will never decide. It will arrive one day, but I don’t know when,” he replied.
In the hope of delaying this departure, the Italian coach is preparing for a new confrontation where he will have to solve yet another defensive puzzle. The absence of Lucas Vázquez, sanctioned, complicates the situation on the right side, one of the most vulnerable sectors of Real Madrid, especially since Carvajal’s injury. Ancelotti will not be able to call on Lorenzo Aguado to replace him, given that the latter is not registered in competition, and the options are limited with Camavinga’s injury and the uncertainties around Tchouaméni. Thus, Valverde could be repositioned on the right flank.
This choice was clouded until the last minute because of Tchouaméni’s pain, but the latter’s recovery should make it possible to solidify the midfield. On the other hand, the news is more encouraging regarding the attack. With a reinvigorated Rodrygo, a Mbappé in great shape, and Vinicius back, the team has formidable offensive potential.
Salzburg, renowned for being a hotbed of talent, is going through a difficult period. Currently fifth in the Austrian league, ten points behind leader Sturm Graz, the team recently changed coach, giving way to Thomas Letsch. At 56, the latter arrives with solid experience but his team, which has only won three points in the Champions and received eighteen goals, is desperate to turn things around.
-Preview of probable teams:
Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Asensio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia, Tchoumamen, Modric, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe and Vinicius.
Salzburg : Schlager, Capaldo, Dedic, Baidoo, Guindo, Gourna-Douath, Bajcetic, Bidstrup, Yeo, Ratkov et Nene.
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden).
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Stade: Santiago Bernabéu.
TV: Movistar Champions League.
Takeaways
- Real Madrid must win to secure their qualification for the round of 16.
- Carlo Ancelotti faces growing criticism, putting his future at the helm of the team at stake.
- Salzburg’s squad renewal could offer an opportunity, but the team has mixed statistics in the Champions League.
- Injuries and suspensions create tactical challenges for Ancelotti, who is forced to readjust his lineup.
In conclusion, the upcoming match between Real Madrid and Salzburg raises crucial issues for both teams. As the Spanish club looks to regain their glory, the Austrian team will try to prove their resilience and not get overwhelmed. An intriguingly visible fight is emerging, posing a challenge for coaches and determining the future on the European scene.
