Real Madrid’s Risky Gamble: Ancelotti’s Champions League Strategy Shifts to Veteran Defenders

In the high-stakes world of the UEFA Champions League, the margin between victory and defeat can often come down to tactical decisions. As Real Madrid prepared to face Arsenal in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash, head coach Carlo Ancelotti made a bold gamble that left many questioning his strategy. With key players sidelined through injury and suspension, Ancelotti was forced to make several unexpected changes to his starting lineup, especially in defense. The decision to field two veteran defenders—David Alaba at left-back and Dani Carvajal at right-back—highlighted the risks Real Madrid was taking in a match that could determine their European fate.

The absence of key figures like Ferland Mendy and Aurélien Tchouaméni due to injury and suspension meant that Ancelotti had to make do with what he had. With no natural replacements available for the left-back and right-back positions, the Italian coach turned to his experienced veterans—Alaba, 32, and Carvajal, 33. While these players have been stalwarts for Real Madrid over the years, their age and lack of speed raised concerns heading into one of the most important matches of the season.

Ancelotti’s Defensive Dilemma

Before the match, Marca confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti had made his choice for the full-back positions, opting for the more experienced but slower pair of David Alaba on the left and Dani Carvajal on the right. The move, however, immediately raised eyebrows, as both players are well past their prime, and their pace and defensive capabilities have been in question for some time.

Ferland Mendy, Real Madrid’s starting left-back, was sidelined due to a muscle injury in his left thigh, leaving a gap in the defense. His absence meant that Alaba, who is usually deployed as a central defender, would be asked to fill in on the left side—a position he has played before but is no longer at the level he was in his prime. Alaba, at 32 years old, is still a world-class player, but his age has led to a decline in his once-explosive pace and agility. Against a team like Arsenal, whose attack is led by the pacey Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, Alaba’s lack of speed and recovery ability was a glaring vulnerability.

On the right side, Dani Carvajal, at 33, was given the nod over Federico Valverde, who many thought would be a better fit for the right-back role. Carvajal has long been a reliable servant for the club, but his defensive awareness and pace have also diminished. In a match where speed and tactical awareness would be critical, the decision to trust the veteran right-back seemed like a gamble.

The Midfield and Attack: Ancelotti’s Confidence in His Core

While the full-back positions raised doubts, Ancelotti’s choices in midfield and attack showed a much more confident approach. Despite the defensive struggles, the manager stuck with his core midfield trio of Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga, while the attacking trio of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappé were all selected to start. With these players, Ancelotti was hoping to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game, creating opportunities to exploit Arsenal’s defensive frailties.

In midfield, Bellingham has been a revelation this season, and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively was crucial. Valverde, who has been versatile all season, was deployed in a central role, while Camavinga, who has been impressive in his own right, added energy and defensive solidity. Ancelotti’s decision to trust these players was a calculated one, given their ability to control the ball and press high up the pitch, forcing Arsenal into mistakes.

Upfront, the attacking trio of Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé was always going to be one of the most dangerous in Europe. However, the balance between attack and defense seemed precarious, as Real Madrid’s backline was far from solid. The idea was clear: Ancelotti was hoping that his team’s offensive power would compensate for the vulnerabilities at the back.

The Flaws in the Defensive Setup

As the game unfolded, it became clear that Real Madrid’s defense was the weak link. Both Alaba and Carvajal struggled to cope with the pace and movement of Arsenal’s wingers. Saka and Martinelli, two of the Premier League’s best and quickest attackers, were constantly causing problems for the veteran full-backs. With Alaba unable to track the runs of Saka and Carvajal unable to handle the directness of Martinelli, it seemed as though Real Madrid’s defense was on the back foot from the very start.

The decision to field Carvajal and Alaba in the full-back positions was becoming a costly one. Ancelotti’s gamble on experience was not paying off, as the gaps in defense were starting to show. Arsenal’s attack was swift and precise, and the two aging defenders simply couldn’t keep up with the pace of the game. The gaps in the defense were only made worse by Real Madrid’s high defensive line, which left them exposed to Arsenal’s quick counter-attacks.

The Dressing Room Dilemma

Internally, there were whispers of discontent in the Real Madrid dressing room. According to Relevo, there were doubts among the players regarding Ancelotti’s decision to field Carvajal ahead of Valverde at right-back. Many felt that Valverde’s defensive work rate, speed, and versatility would have been a better fit for the right-back role, especially given the challenges that Saka would present. Yet, Ancelotti stuck with his decision to deploy Carvajal and Alaba, seemingly willing to risk their defensive vulnerabilities in favor of their experience.

This decision, while rooted in a desire to balance experience with youth, led to confusion and uncertainty within the squad. Players understood the importance of the Champions League, and the gamble on two aging veterans at full-back made them feel that the team was exposed. As the match progressed, the doubts about Ancelotti’s defensive choices seemed to grow, especially as Arsenal found joy down the flanks.

Arsenal’s Counter-Attacks and the Consequences for Real Madrid

Arsenal, for their part, took full advantage of Real Madrid’s defensive flaws. With Saka and Martinelli running riot down the wings, the Gunners’ counter-attacks were a constant threat to Courtois’ goal. The pace and precision of Arsenal’s attacks exposed the lack of pace and positioning of Carvajal and Alaba. Every time Vinícius, Rodrygo, or Mbappé lost possession or failed to break through, Arsenal was quick to capitalize on the counter.

The decision to focus so heavily on attacking options while leaving the defense exposed came at a cost. Ancelotti’s gamble on his veterans seemed to be backfiring, as Arsenal grew more confident with each passing minute. The combination of Carvajal and Alaba at full-back was proving to be a critical mistake, with the two players unable to deal with the pace of Arsenal’s wingers.

Looking Ahead: The Stakes for Real Madrid

With Real Madrid’s defensive frailties laid bare, Ancelotti’s gamble on the aging full-backs will likely come under intense scrutiny. As the second leg approaches, the tactical balance between attack and defense will be crucial. Real Madrid will need to shore up their backline and find a way to deal with the explosive pace of Arsenal’s wingers. Whether Valverde or Frán García could be an answer to Real Madrid’s full-back issues remains to be seen.

The next chapter of this high-stakes Champions League battle is sure to be dramatic, but one thing is clear: Ancelotti’s gamble on experience could either prove to be a stroke of genius or a costly mistake in this clash with Arsenal. As Real Madrid faces one of the biggest tests of the season, the manager’s decisions will be pivotal to their chances of progressing to the semifinals.