- Real Madrid only managed a 1-1 draw against Mallorca in their opening La Liga fixture
- Ferland Mendy was sent off in stoppage time
- Los Blancos take on Real Valladolid on Sunday, Aug. 25
After Real Madrid’s disappointing performance in their opening La Liga fixture, expect Carlo Ancelotti to make multiple changes to ensure his side does not stumble against Real Valladolid.
Real Madrid kicked off their 2024/25 La Liga title defense against Mallorca, and much to the surprise of Madridistas across the globe, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad only managed to secure a point in what should have been a much more lopsided affair. Now, they are already trailing rivals Barcelona in the La Liga standings.
Ancelotti made it quite clear after the match that his side’s performance was unacceptable, and they will need to bounce back against newly promoted side, Real Valladolid, who defeated Espanyol 1-0 last weekend.
The manager himself also must respond come Sunday, and changes to Real Madrid’s tactics, lineup, and more will help Los Blancos deliver a statement result.
3 changes Carlo Ancelotti needs to make against Real Valladolid
1. Make earlier substitutions
It was clear in the minutes following Mallorca’s equalizer in the second half that Real Madrid’s starting XI were struggling to find the breakthrough against their opponent’s low block. Plenty of passing and uninspired shots off target were getting the team nowhere close to testing Dominik Greif in goal.
Yet despite the fresh legs on the bench, Ancelotti made just one substitution before the dying minutes of the game. Luka Modric came on for Aurelien Tchouameni in the 63rd minute to bring some creativity to the midfield, but more substitutions were needed to get Los Blancos out of their stagnant attacks in the final third.
Ancelotti did not sub on Arda Guller, Brahim Diaz, and Lucas Vazquez until the 87th minute, and by then, the three players could not contribute much to the game.
2. Let Rodrygo play on the right wing
Part of Real Madrid’s ineffective attack against Mallorca came down to the overload on the left flank. At times, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham were all clustered on one side of the pitch, with Mendy and Valverde following close behind, while Dani Carvajal was in acres on the right flank with no support.
It is no secret that Mbappe, Vini Jr., and Rodrygo all prefer to play as left-wingers, but the players, particularly Rodrygo, must change their tactics against Valladolid.
The Brazilian needs to link up with Carvajal more on the right flank, and Valverde needs to help; without Toni Kroos on the pitch, the new number 8 must switch the field of play to spread the opposition’s defense.
3. Change the starting XI
One thing is for certain come Sunday—Ferland Mendy will not start for Real Madrid. The left-back was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Vedat Muriqi, and will be suspended for the upcoming match against Valladolid.
Fran Garcia will start in his place and look to make an impact for his side. The 25-year-old is a more attack-minded fullback, and finished with five assists and one goal in his 25 La Liga appearances last season. In comparison, Mendy did not register a single goal or assist in Real Madrid’s winning campaign.
Ancelotti should also start Luka Modric. The winningest player in Los Blancos’ history is just what the team needs, especially after their midfield failed to truly control the game and create chances last week. As Real Madrid adjust to playing without Kroos, they need the expertise and creativity of Modric to settle and command the midfield.
