Ancelotti Makes Four Changes as Real Madrid Faces RB Salzburg

MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed four changes to his starting lineup ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash against RB Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabéu. The defending champions, reeling from recent defeats to Lille and AC Milan, face an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages.

Ancelotti acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, ‘If we have any chance to get through automatically, it’s to win the two remaining games. If we play in the playoff tie, we will do our best, but we are used to the demanding schedule.’ The Italian coach also addressed speculation about his future, emphasizing that his departure from the club would not be his decision. ‘The date of departure from this club will never be decided by me, never in my life,’ he said during Tuesday’s press conference.

Real Madrid’s starting XI will feature Thibaut Courtois in goal, with a defensive line comprising Fran Garcia, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, and an unorthodox choice in Fede Valverde due to the absence of a natural right-back. Valverde’s deeper role will see him form a double pivot with Dani Ceballos and Luka Modrić, while Jude Bellingham operates as the most advanced midfielder. Wingers Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo will support Kylian Mbappé, who leads the attack as the central striker.

The match comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ancelotti’s tenure, with rumors linking him to other clubs. However, the coach remains focused on the task at hand, aiming to guide Real Madrid through a challenging period in the competition. ‘My goal is to reach Florentino’s four years,’ Ancelotti said, referencing the recently re-elected club president Florentino Pérez. ‘And so we say goodbye together…’

With Barcelona already securing their place in the knockout stages, Real Madrid must navigate a precarious path to avoid the playoff round. The stakes are high as the Spanish giants look to maintain their Champions League legacy under Ancelotti’s leadership.