Carlo Ancelotti has surprised once again, this time with the starting line-up for the match against Rayo Vallecano. It's been the usual trend in recent Real Madrid encounters, and despite his great performance, Raúl Asencio has been left out again. Once more, Ancelotti has relied on Tchouaméni's conversion to a central defender to complete the line of four defenders.
With Raúl Asencio on the bench, the center of the defense, in addition to Tchouaméni, has been covered by Rüdiger, who never rests. Meanwhile, the line of four defenders has been completed by Lucas Vázquez and Fran García on the flanks. There have been no changes in the goalkeeping position, with Courtois, the best in the world, as always.
The rest of the line-up has shown a very offensive profile against Rayo Vallecano, with Fede Valverde, Arda Güler, Modric, and Bellingham in the midfield. In the absence of the injured Mbappé, the two starters in the attack have been both Rodrygo and Vinícius.
Ancelotti Has the Solution: It's Clear against Rayo, Farewell to Madrid
Raúl Asencio was doing very well, but once again he has added another bench appearance. He didn't expect to start from the bench against Rayo Vallecano, just as he didn't expect it in the matches against Girona or Atalanta. He seems to have lost the confidence of a Carlo Ancelotti who reportedly requested a transfer in the January market.
Florentino's reply has been decisive regarding Ancelotti's request: total confidence in Raúl Asencio. Real Madrid will not make any transfers in January and will maintain the current team. If the Italian still wants a new central defender, he already knows the president's reply: nothing at all.
What Real Madrid intends is to enhance the qualities of a Raúl Asencio who has shown he's ready to play in important matches. The plan is to give him rest whenever possible, trying to have him in the best possible condition for the decisive phase of the season. The academy player is fulfillling the requirements excellently, and there's no need for another central defender to take his place.
Against Rayo Vallecano, he received a small cold shower, but at Real Madrid they are clear that the confidence in Asencio is total and maximum. There will be no additions of any kind, it's confirmed.