Sports Correspondent
Real Madrid’s pursuit of a UEFA Champions League semi-final spot faces a significant setback as they head to Manchester for the return leg against City, following a pulsating 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu. While Carlo Ancelotti’s men are riding high in La Liga, European success remains a coveted challenge.
One critical factor in Real Madrid’s recent defensive stability has been the emergence of Aurelien Tchouaméni in an unorthodox role at centre-back. The French international has seamlessly transitioned into this position since the start of 2024, becoming Ancelotti’s first-choice in this critical role. However, his absence due to suspension for the Manchester clash leaves a void in defense that Ancelotti must urgently address.
With Tchouaméni ruled out, Ancelotti faces a pivotal decision over who will step up in defense against a formidable Manchester City side. The Italian manager is reportedly torn between experienced campaigners Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao.
Nacho, who recently completed a full 90 minutes in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Mallorca, is seen as the frontrunner for the starting berth at the Etihad Stadium.
This decision is further justified by Militao’s ongoing recovery from match fitness concerns, making him a less viable option for such a crucial encounter.
The absence of Tchouaméni is a significant blow for Los Blancos, especially considering his adaptation to a new role and the assurance he has brought to Real Madrid’s defensive setup.
His composure and tactical awareness have been instrumental in steadying the ship for Ancelotti’s side in recent months.
The suspension comes at a critical juncture in Madrid’s European campaign, placing added responsibility on the shoulders of Nacho to deliver a resilient defensive display in Manchester.
Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments will be closely scrutinized as he navigates through this defensive conundrum.
Real Madrid’s aspirations for European glory hinge on their ability to navigate past Manchester City, a daunting task made more challenging by the absence of a key defensive figure in Tchouaméni.
As Los Blancos prepare for their showdown at the Etihad Stadium, the spotlight will be firmly on their defensive resolve and Ancelotti’s strategic choices.
The absence of Tchouaméni underscores the unpredictable nature of football and the need for adaptability in high-stakes competitions like the Champions League.
Real Madrid’s journey to European success faces a critical test in Manchester, where defensive solidity will be paramount in their quest to advance to the semi-finals.