Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has made a surprise decision regarding who will play at right-back during the Champions League match against Manchester City.
The royal club is suffering from the absence of Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez due to injuries, and all signs were pointing to Fede Valverde as the right-back against City.
A surprise tactical change from Ancelotti
According to Spanish press reports, Ancelotti intends to maneuver in order to keep Valverde in midfield.
During the last training sessions before the City summit, Ancelotti tested the idea of relying on Ferland Mendy as a right-back, and Ferran Garcia as a right-back.
It is rare for a left-footed player to play as a right-back, but Ancelotti is prepared for this sacrifice because he believes that Valverde should remain in midfield.
Real Madrid’s expected lineup against Manchester City
Thibaut Courtois will be in goal for the royal club, with Garcia on the left and Mendy on the right, with Raul Asensio and Aurelien Tchouameni in between.
Valverde will remain in midfield with Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham next to him, while the attack will continue with the trio of Rodrygo, Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid’s lineup against Manchester City
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defense: Ferran Garcia – Raul Asensio – Aurelien Tchouameni – Ferland Mendy
- Midfield: Fede Valverde – Eduardo Camavinga – Jude Bellingham
- Attack: Vinicius Junior – Kylian Mbappe – Rodrygo
