Ancelotti’s Decision to Bench Key Midfield Duo in Copa del Rey Clash

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Tactical Choices Unveiled

In a strategic move, Carlo Ancelotti, the master tactician at the helm of Real Madrid, has made a crucial decision ahead of the Copa del Rey round of 16 clash against city rivals Atletico Madrid. The match is set to unfold at the Metropolitano Stadium on January 18, with memories of their recent Spanish Super Cup encounter still fresh.

Learning from Past Mistakes

Ancelotti’s decision revolves around benching the seasoned midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. This tactical shift stems from the lessons learned after their only defeat this season, which occurred against Atletico on September 25, 2023, in La Liga. During that encounter, Ancelotti benched defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, opting for Kroos and Modric, and witnessed a 3-1 loss.

Midfield Dynamo: A Young Quartet Takes the Stage

As reported by MARCA, Ancelotti is set to field a dynamic midfield quartet consisting of Eduardo Camavinga, Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde. This youthful combination brings relentless energy to the midfield, ensuring they run tirelessly for the entire 90 minutes. Ancelotti, learning from defensive lapses in the past, aims to fortify the midfield against Atletico’s formidable challenge.

Vinicius Junior: Manchester United’s Potential £150m Move

In other news, Manchester United is reportedly eyeing a sensational £150 million move for Real Madrid’s star player, Vinicius Junior, in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Brazilian forward showcased his brilliance with a remarkable 39-minute hat-trick against arch-rivals FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on January 14.

United’s Pursuit of Vinicius

As per SPORT, the 20-time Premier League champions are keen on acquiring Vinicius Junior, offering a substantial £150 million. The outstanding performance against Barcelona has elevated the Brazilian’s profile, attracting interest from several clubs. United’s willingness to make a significant offer adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming summer transfer window.

Real Madrid’s Dilemma and Mbappe Connection

Interestingly, the report suggests that Real Madrid may consider United’s offer, creating a potential domino effect. Los Blancos could utilize the funds from Vinicius’ transfer to renew their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer market dynamics.