Madrid Universal
·14 Januari 2025
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Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·14 Januari 2025
Carlo Ancelotti has come under a lot of criticism after Real Madrid’s harrowing 2-5 defeat to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
One of the major issues cited against the Real Madrid boss is his decision to select Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back ahead of Raul Asencio.
The Frenchman’s deployment at centre-back has worked on a few occasions but Sunday’s game was a disaster as the player was torn to shreds by the Barça attack.
Amidst the growing concerns about Real Madrid’s defensive struggles, The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana reports that Raul Asencio is set to feature more prominently in the starting lineup in the coming matches.
More chances for Asencio. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The 21-year-old La Fabrica graduate has done very well each time he has been given an opportunity by manager Ancelotti.
Sources from the club, however, insist that him starting against Barcelona last weekend was always going to be difficult as Los Blancos had kept a clean sheet in the semi-final against RCD Mallorca.
However, following the final debacle against Barcelona, a change is now deemed necessary and Asencio is set to be rewarded for his performance with a greater role in the team.
Real Madrid are not planning to sign a new centre-back this month and with Antonio Rudiger dealing with knee problems, it is imperative for Ancelotti to start trusting the 21-year-old youngster more.
The imminent return of David Alaba is also a welcome boost for the reigning Spanish and European champions, with the Austrian expected to be reintegrated into the match dynamics from this week.