The situation is serious at Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappé’s Merengues are still in a strong position in La Liga, since they are runners-up to Atlético with one point less (and the same number of matches now). But the final of the Spanish Super Cup lost on Sunday in Saudi Arabia (2-5), for a second humiliation in a Clasico this season after Barça’s 4-0 at the Bernabéu, once again puts Carlo Ancelotti in difficulty. And Real, defending champion of the Champions League, is in danger before its last two days against Salzburg and Brest.
The Italian staff at Casa Blanca have made an important decision in recent hours. Exit the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with Jude Bellingham in 10 or as a relay, Vinicius and Rodrygo on the wings and the “Kyks” at the forefront. A 4-4-2 will be put in place, as indicated by Mario Cortegana, the Madrid correspondent of The Athletic (an American-British media much more reliable than all Spanish newspapers). Ancelotti likes the defensive involvement of Rodrygo, who also has a clear impact in the game, but he will sacrifice the 24-year-old Brazilian winger.
Mbappé in a two-man attack
New deal for Mbappé, therefore. Real tested numerous playing systems during the first part of the season (until a shaky 3-4-2-1 with Bellingham and Vinicius behind the team’s French number 9), before settling on these weeks with its system featuring four offensive players. The reigning Spanish and European champion will now continue the season in 4-4-2 with Federico Valverde on the right and Jude Bellingham shifted to the left. The English attacking midfielder is once again the big loser of Mbappé’s Real.
After the disillusionment against the Blaugranas, Real resumes on Thursday evening (9:30 p.m., live on the L’Equipe channel) in the Copa del Rey against Celta de Vigo. The Madrilenians have two matches at the Bernabéu, against Las Palmas on Sunday, then Salzburg next Wednesday. Real Madrid will conclude the LDC league phase against Stade Brestois on January 29 in Guingamp, and will especially play its derby against Atlético at home on February 9. The La Liga title race will reach a new turning point.
