Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti did so much Madridistas who had asked against Manchester City in their second stage and held Raul Asencio in the starting line-up. The 22-year-old was impressed by the chance of the chance this season and stood out in the play-off of the Champions League, as he did in many of 2025.
However, his days in the starting XI could be numbered. On the side of Pep Guardiola, Antonio Rudiger returned to the line-up next to Asencio, with Aurelien Tchouameni returning to his more natural position in midfield. But with David Alaba now back to the scene, the location of Asencio is being threatened again.
Alaba started for the first time last weekend in 434 days against Girona, almost a month after he returned to the playing field for the first time. The Austrian defender was out for a total of thirteen months, but the 73 minutes he enjoyed Girona 'confirmed the good sensations' about Alaba's return to action, according to relevant. Now again with Alaba an option on the table, says the same exhaust valve that Ancelotti is planning to have Alaba next to Rudiger when it comes to the decisive luminaires for the last phases of the season.
“After a very long injury, I think he played a good game, he played very well for 60 minutes. Comfortable, well positioned, calm, with the ball, without the ball. It is clear that he can play as a starter in the Champions League match, because he is little by little looking for his best level, ”explained Ancelotti after the Girona collision.
“We should not forget that Alaba was ready a month ago and then he had this adductor injury that he did not allowed to play, but he only needs a few minutes and nothing more. A risk for him could play every three days, but I think he can handle one game very well a week, without problems. “
Ancelotti has been heavily criticized in recent months for what some see as his ignoring of meritocracy with regard to Asencio, and other young talents such as Endrick Felipe and Arda Guler. The Italian manager tends to maintain confidence in more senior options as it is, but after the city conflict many thought that Asencio might have earned a long -term run in the side.
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