Carlo Ancelotti has been 100% focused on the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona since Wednesday night, but since being knocked out of the Champions League, he has been mulling over how the team should play if they want to have a chance of eliminating Hansi Flick‘s side, and he seems to have made up his mind: there will be a major change to the starting eleven.
Ancelotti and how to stop Barcelona
The final comes at a bad time for Real Madrid and a very good time for Barcelona. The Whites’ elimination from the Champions League was very painful, especially because the team had no chance throughout the tie. They were outplayed in every area of the pitch by Arteta’s side, similar to what happened in the two matches against Barcelona so far this season, where they lost 0-4 in the first leg of the league match at the Santiago Bernabéu and 5-2 in the European Super Cup final.
For their part, Barcelona are on a roll after reaching the Champions League semi-finals and leading the league. Flick’s side seem unbeatable, they win games with ease, and when they come up against tough opponents, like Celta, they find a way to keep winning. Their combination play, ability to find space and the defensive solidity of all 10 outfield players have made them a lethal team.
Ancelotti’s plan
Carlo Ancelotti knows that the game can be decided in the midfield and that this is where they need to find balance. If there is one thing the Italian coach has complained about throughout the season, it is the lack of balance and defensive solidarity. Last Sunday against Athletic Club, he tested what the game against Barcelona could be like. Mbappé’s absence gave him an excuse to try out a four-man midfield with Tchouaméni, Ceballos, Modric, and Bellingham, and it looks like he will repeat the system and probably the players against Barcelona. The question is whether Modric will be the fourth man, or whether he will decide to give the starting spot to Güler or Brahim, although the Croatian’s experience gives him the edge.
Ancelotti also gave another clue in the press conference after Sunday’s victory over Athletic: when asked about his favorite system, he said he liked 4-4-2 better because the team defended better. And everything indicates that he will repeat it in the final.
Rodrygo, the sacrificed
There will be two changes to Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven against Real Sociedad. Camavinga, who started at left back, will be out due to the injury he suffered against Getafe. Alaba is also injured. In principle, Fran García will occupy the left back position, but Mendy could be pushed into action. Mbappé will return to the starting eleven alongside Vinicius, with Rodrygo making way. Ancelotti, given the Brazilian’s poor run of form and Barcelona’s superiority in midfield, believes this is an excellent solution. He is also a luxury substitute for the second half, whether the result is in favor or against.
Carlo Ancelotti is aware that Barcelona are in better form than Real Madrid, but the Italian coach has seen many nights of football and knows perfectly well that his team can come away from Seville with the Copa del Rey. It would be a tremendous morale boost, a confidence boost to try to fight for the league, and a blow to Barcelona that would put them under tremendous pressure in the Champions League and in the fight for the league title.