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Carlo Ancelotti could drop Real Madrid’s six-time Champions League winner in tactical switch to try and beat Arsenal

Lucas Arnold

Tue 15 April 2025 16:45, UK

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will currently be trying to mastermind a historic comeback and victory over Arsenal in the Champions League.

If they want to avoid winning via penalty shoot-out, Madrid would have to beat Arsenal by four goals on Wednesday evening – something no side has done recently.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are one of the best defensive sides in Europe, explaining the task at hand for Madrid.

Madrid have scored four goals past plenty of teams this season, but doing so against Arteta’s backline will be a serious task.

And on evidence of last week’s first-leg, Ancelotti will have to rethink one of two match-ups, especially given that Eduardo Camavinga is suspended.

Carlo Ancelotti is planning changes against Arsenal

That being said, local Spanish source believe that Ancelotti could make a key change to his midfield for the second leg.

Against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, former Tottenham Hotspur player Luka Modric played 71 minutes at the heart of Ancelotti’s side.

READ MORE: Jakub Kiwior makes comment about Kylian Mbappe ahead of Arsenal’s second leg against Real Madrid

However, according to the report, Modric might forfeit his midfield role to Federico Valverde who started the first-leg at right-back.

Valverde is an undisputed starter for Ancelotti, and his strongest position is still in midfield despite how well he’s also able to operate as a full-back.

And in an attacking move, Ancelotti is said to be considering Valverde in a more offensive role with Lucas Vazquez coming in at right back instead.

33-year-old Vazquez certainly isn’t short of experience himself in these kind of situations – he won’t be a worry for Madrid against Gabriel Martinelli by any means.

Mikel Arteta also has a selection dilemma against Real Madrid

Of course, Arsenal might have to make a change of their own owing to Thomas Partey’s injury.

Partey is a doubt for Arsenal, even if he is hoped to be available.

However, if the 31-year-old misses out then Mikel Merino is expected to replace Partey in midfield with Declan Rice sitting as the number six.

And with those changes, Leandro Trossard would then come in as Arteta’s number nine – a reshuffle the Spaniard would probably prefer to avoid.

A crucial game for both clubs, and Madrid have already proven that they will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to qualify for another Champions League semi-final.