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Three talking points ahead of Villarreal vs Real Madrid | La Liga GW 28
After the intense and physically demanding Champions League outing against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid must now shift their focus and recover quickly.
The team is riding high after securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but this achievement has come at a significant cost.
Injuries and fatigue have taken their toll, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with some difficult decisions ahead of their upcoming La Liga fixture.
Real Madrid will travel to face Villarreal on Saturday in what promises to be a challenging encounter, with three crucial points on the line in the ongoing title race against Barcelona and Atletico.
Squad depth tested
Following their exhausting battle at the Metropolitano, Ancelotti granted his players a much-needed day of rest on Thursday. The team endured an energy-draining extra time, which added to their wear and tear.
Now, they must prepare for a Villarreal side that will not make things easy. On the contrary, the Yellow Submarine will look to exploit Madrid’s fatigue by maintaining a high level of intensity.
This challenge is further amplified by Ancelotti’s tendency to make minimal changes to his starting lineup, meaning his key players could be pushed to their physical limits once again.
Real Madrid’s injury concerns continue to grow, with Ferland Mendy being the latest casualty. The French full-back was forced to leave the Euroderbi due to a muscle issue, and his absence adds to an already lengthy list of unavailable players.
Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo are also ruled out, further restricting Ancelotti’s options.
With only 18 outfield players available, including youth academy players Raul Asencio, Diego Aguado, and Victor Valdepenas, Real Madrid’s squad depth will be put to test when they take on Villarreal tomorrow.
A squad running on empty
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Real Madrid players might be exhausted. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
It must also be noted that Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Thibaut Courtois, and Kylian Mbappe all ended the last match with fitness concerns.
While there are backup options available, such as Andriy Lunin, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Lucas Vazquez, and Brahim Diaz, there is still a risk that the physical demands of the season could take a toll.
Madrid have already played an exhausting 47 matches this campaign, and this relentless schedule increases the likelihood of more players suffering from fatigue or injuries.
Given this scenario, Ancelotti may need to rely on younger players like Arda Guler and Endrick, who have been used sparingly so far. Both could be handed an opportunity as Madrid attempt to navigate through this difficult period.
The Champions League quarter-finals loom large, and their pursuit of the La Liga title remains intense. Managing the squad’s fitness while maintaining performance levels will be a delicate balancing act for Ancelotti.
While Madrid’s depth is being tested to the limit, the club’s ability to handle adversity will define their season. The players will need to push through fatigue, step up in key moments, and find solutions to their attacking struggles if they want to keep their ambitions alive.
Tactical concerns add to the challenge
Beyond the issue of player fitness, Real Madrid’s recent performances have raised concerns. Their attacking output has diminished in recent matches, and the team’s overall play has lacked fluidity.
Rather than following a structured offensive strategy, Los Blancos have often relied on individual brilliance to create chances. Over their last five matches across all competitions, they have only managed to score six goals while conceding five.
This lack of cutting-edge could be a significant problem against a Villarreal side that will be eager to capitalise on any weaknesses.
Despite these struggles, Ancelotti remains confident in his squad’s ability to compete. Real Madrid are still in contention for all major trophies, but to keep their title hopes alive, they must find a way to overcome these mounting challenges.
The upcoming match against Villarreal is another test of their resilience, and how they respond could be crucial in determining the outcome of their season.
The trip to El Madrigal represents a crucial moment – one that could either solidify Real Madrid’s title credentials or expose their growing vulnerabilities. As the season enters its decisive phase, they have no choice but to respond with resilience and determination.
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