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Official, Ancelotti Gives Him Rest in Madrid-Rayo and Confirms It: 'In the Metr...'

Real Madrid's coach has his mind set on the next Champions League match.

Real Madrid has an important LaLiga match against Rayo Vallecano, but Carlo Ancelotti hasn't been able to keep his mind off the Champions League. To a large extent, the Italian has crafted a line-up with the return leg of the round of 16 in mind, which will be played next Wednesday at the Metropolitano: failure is not an option. That's why, against the Madrid team, there have been various absences, with the focus set on the coming days.

Fede Valverde, Substitute in Madrid-Rayo

Madrid is having many problems at right-back since Carvajal's injury. Ancelotti has tried many things, and the option that has convinced him the most involves changing Fede Valverde's position. He has shown a great level, but he is having many physical problems that are preventing him from playing more. He has been heavily used this season, and now the time has come to take care of him so that he is available for important dates.

A player wearing the white jersey of Real Madrid with the team's crest in the background.
Fede Valverde, the key for Real Madrid | Getty Images, Madrid-Barcelona

Except in an imperative case, Valverde won't play a single minute against Rayo Vallecano. Ancelotti has confirmed it to him privately, telling him: "You're not playing today, but at the Metropolitano, you'll be a starter". This is the plan, and he intends to follow it strictly.

The same has happened with Courtois and Rüdiger, although they have been left out of the squad. In his case, Fede Valverde will be sitting on the bench, but he won't play. The main rule in this match is clear: the Uruguayan must rest as much as possible to be ready for the Metropolitano.

Ancelotti Has a Plan for the Metropolitano

Despite Madrid facing the tie with an advantage from the 2-1 win in the first leg against Atlético, Ancelotti doesn't want surprises. The Metropolitano will be a challenging place, and everyone will need to be at their best to overcome the great rival of the capital.

That's why, against Rayo, Courtois and Rüdiger have rested, just as it is expected that Fede Valverde will. Ancelotti is preparing the starting eleven for the return leg of the Champions League, and unless there is a surprise or unexpected turn, it is expected that all the important players will be available.

Fede Valverde will be a starter at the Metropolitano | Getty Images

We are facing a match that could determine, for better or worse, the course of the season. Ancelotti is aware of this and doesn't want surprises. He expects everyone to be focused and is clear that the priority is the Champions League, although he is by no means going to give up on this League, which is still possible.