Real Madrid made several notable changes to their starting lineup for their La Liga away match against Rayo Vallecano, with the absence of injured star Kylian Mbappé and the surprising benching of Vinicius Jr. among the key alterations. Manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for a rotated team, incorporating Luka Modrić, Arda Güler, and Rodrygo Goes into the starting eleven.
These changes, coupled with Real Madrid’s recent performance, particularly in the first leg of their Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid, have led to renewed discussions regarding the team’s overall form and the performance of some key players.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti implemented a number of changes to the team that started against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. The most notable change is the absence of Kylian Mbappé due to injury, while Vinicius Jr. was also surprisingly benched, resting after his recent return from injury.
The starting lineup featured the experience of Luka Modrić, the emerging talent of Arda Güler, and the goal-scoring threat of Rodrygo Goes. Aurélien Tchouaméni again played in an unfamiliar central defensive role. This rotation policy reflects Ancelotti’s pragmatic approach to managing player workloads and team selection.
Speculation regarding Mbappé’s injury and continued absence
Despite Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in their Champions League encounter, concerns remain about the team’s overall performance. Criticism has been directed towards both Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. for what many consider to be underwhelming displays.
Mbappé, in particular, has been criticized for his performance in the match, with some suggesting that he’s not fully recovered from his recent injury. Vinicius Jr. has also faced criticism, adding fuel to ongoing discussions about the team’s form and the need for improvement.
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Kylian Mbappé’s continued absence has fueled speculation, with suggestions that he may be suffering from a more significant injury or still experiencing discomfort from a previous dental procedure.
His performances in recent matches have been deemed underwhelming by some, with criticisms highlighting a lack of dynamism and decisiveness in his play. The contrast between his performance against Manchester City and his more recent performances has prompted further analysis and speculation about his current fitness.
