Ancelotti facing toughest selection call as Real Madrid prepare for derby showdown | OneFootball

As reported by SPORT, Carlo Ancelotti is facing a crucial decision ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

While the Italian manager has most of his starting XI confirmed for the second leg, there remains uncertainty over one particular position in midfield.

Despite securing a victory in the first leg, one player came under heavy criticism for his performance and could now lose his place in the team—Eduardo Camavinga.

Camavinga is being picked out

At this stage, Ancelotti has a clear midfield core featuring Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham. However, he must now determine who will complete the trio alongside them.

Camavinga’s display at the Santiago Bernabeu was underwhelming, and he struggled to assert control in the midfield battle.

Although Ancelotti decided to rest Camavinga in the recent La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano—where he played only the final ten minutes—Luka Modric, on the other hand, was on the pitch for the entire game.

This selection could provide a hint about Ancelotti’s intentions for the upcoming European encounter.

There are two constants

Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham are Ancelotti’s constants. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

There is a sense that Tchouameni feels more comfortable playing alongside Modric rather than Camavinga. This was evident in the last Madrid derby when Ancelotti opted for a more experienced midfield setup.

Ideally, with all players fit, Real Madrid’s starting midfield would consist of Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Bellingham.

However, Valverde has often been forced into a deeper role to provide cover at right-back due to Dani Carvajal’s injury and Lucas Vazquez’s inconsistency.

If Ancelotti wants Valverde to return to his natural midfield position, it would mean weakening the right flank—a tactical trade-off the coach must carefully consider.

What if he moves Bellingham?

Another possibility Ancelotti might explore is adjusting Bellingham’s role by placing him alongside Tchouameni in midfield.

While this is not an unfamiliar position for the Englishman, it would inevitably reduce Real Madrid’s attacking strength. In such a scenario, Brahim Diaz could step into the more advanced role left vacant by Bellingham.

The Spaniard has already shown his ability to deliver in big moments, having scored in the first leg when Bellingham was unavailable.