Liverpool Champions League defeat forces Real Madrid to make huge decision

Real Madrid could play in the knockout stages of the Champions League and add two more games to their already hectic schedule.

Wanting something doesn't always mean you can achieve it. For Real Madrid, the Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield was the perfect example. The defeat was not heavy, but convincing. Until Mbappe's missed penalty, Madrid still had hope, thanks to Courtois, their defensive sacrifices, European image and mystique. However, Kelleher's save on Mbappé's penalty cost them energy.

In Liverpool, despite their best efforts, Madrid could not prevail. Ancelotti tried to remain positive: “I liked the team; we fought well against the toughest opponent on the continent.” But the reality hit hard. His reality. There was a small squad (only sixteen first-team players were available at Anfield) trying to compete at the top level.

The Champions League play-offs could add to Madrid's grueling schedule

And as a result, it seems likely that two more matches (in the Champions League knockout stage play-offs) will be added to the already grueling schedule. No breaks. All this while Madrid, despite the circumstances, remains reluctant to participate in the winter transfer market.

Currently 24th in the Champions League with six points out of 15, aiming for the top eight to avoid the play-off round seems like a dream. If Los Blancos want to win the Septuple, they will have to play 72 matches. They've played 19, with 53 to go. The first is on Sunday against Getafe. The last, possibly, the final of the FIFA Club World Cup on July 13.

A game every 4.2 days. An “unachievable” madness that becomes even more terrifying if we set the target for May 31, the final of the Champions League. Because an extra transfer window will open for the Club World Cup between 1 and 10 June.

Until then, Madrid will play at least 46 matches in 181 days. One every 3.9 days. Two a week continuously. It's even worse until Christmas. Getafe, Athletic Club, Girona, Atalanta, Rayo Vallecano, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and Sevilla. Seven games in 21 days. Plays every three evenings.

Same story after New Year. The Copa del Rey comes into play (from January 5), as do the Spanish Super Cup (January 9 and the possible final on January 12) and the knockout stages of the Champions League (first leg, February 11-12; second leg, February 18-19).

In short, until the next FIFA international period, a maximum of 20 matches (or 21, as the postponed match against Valencia still needs a date and should fit in) in 70 days. One every 3.5 (or 3.3) days before being given a breather. Or not, because under normal circumstances Ancelotti could lose around 13 to 14 players during an international break. A story without end.

Real Madrid's January transfer window plans

Given the current situation, the question of whether or not to sign new players is a question that even Shakespeare could ponder. While Ancelotti is generally in agreement with the club, he is not completely opposed to the idea. “We will start talking about it after our last match of the year, against Sevilla. Then we will decide what to do in the winter transfer market,” he explained before last weekend's match against Leganés.

Sources have told AS that Real Madrid will only consider entering the January market if there is an urgent need, with the youth team led by young defender Raúl Asencio as a back-up plan. However, they will face the second half of the season without Carvajal and Militão, with questions about Alaba's form and a crowded treatment room directly related to the busy schedule. If that's not an emergency, it certainly looks like one.

Which players could Real Madrid sign in defence?

In the short term (with Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies and Bayer Leverkusen's Wirtz already in the plans for the summer) the needs are clear: a right-back and a centre-back. The favorite for the former is Alexander-Arnold, but convincing Liverpool to part ways with him mid-season is no small task. For the latter, there are attractive long-term options (Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig, Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, Yarek Gasiorowski from Valencia…), but also more experienced and affordable players (Jonathan Tah from Leverkusen), but there is no decision or consensus yet taken. not yet achieved, unlike Leny Yoro, who was allowed to go to Manchester United unchallenged.

Ancelotti's message after Wednesday's loss to 'crazy and sexy' Liverpool sounded more like resignation than hope. “Last year was similar, full of injuries. Some players leave, others come back. Today we lost Camavinga… and hopefully Tchouaméni and Rodrygo can return for the next match. It's a difficult time, but we have to move on. Last year we turned injuries into opportunities.”

So Asencio got his chance. But taking part in a big match like the one at Anfield without Militão, Carvajal, Rodrygo, Tchouaméni, Alaba and especially Vinicius is a heavy burden. Only 18 players in the squad have played more than 300 minutes this season. It is challenging to face the busy schedule under normal circumstances; it seems impossible to do it without reinforcements.