Carlo Ancelotti set to make big tactical change for Real Madrid in Atletico Madrid clash - Reports
As per Marca, Carlo Ancelotti will make a tactical change for Real Madrid's clash against rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid Derby. The two sides will face off at the Wanda Metropolitano in La Liga on Sunday, September 29.
Los Blancos are currently on a 39-game unbeaten streak in La Liga and are chasing the 43-game unbeaten record set by Barcelona. Incidentally, the last game the Merengues lost in the league was against Atletico at Wanda Metropolitano in September last year. Hence, they will be keen to get over this fixture to maintain their streak.
However, ahead of the big clash, Real Madrid have been dealt a major injury blow. Kylian Mbappe has suffered a thigh injury and will miss the clash against Atletico Madrid. Los Blancos are already dealing with injuries to Brahim Diaz, David Alaba, Dani Ceballos, and more.
As per Marca, Carlo Ancelotti is set to use a 4-4-2 formation for the Madrid derby. With not many attacking options available, he will likely use Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes up front as he did often last season. It's likely to be a diamond with Jude Bellingham at the attacking tip, a role he played at times last season.
This formation is boosted by the return of Eduardo Camavinga, who has yet to feature for Real Madrid this season due to injury. If he's fit enough to start, he will start alongside Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield. If not, Luka Modric will take his place.
Carlo Ancelotti speaks on Jude Bellingham's growth at Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham had an exceptional debut season after Real Madrid signed him from Borussia Dortmund last summer for €103 million. He contributed 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions, helping his side win three trophies. He often played as an attacking midfielder or a false nine last season.
However, with Kylian Mbappe's arrival, Bellingham has been reserved to a midfield role. He provided an assist to the Frenchman in their 3-2 win over Deportivo Alaves at home in La Liga on September 24. After the game, Carlo Ancelotti spoke about Bellingham, saying (via Managing Madrid):
“He’s growing, he gave the assist to Mbappé, he played a very complete game. He needs to get used to it a bit more in the box, like last year. It’s more complicated against a team with a low block like Alavés. I ask Bellingham to do that kind of work, not to score goals, we can score at any time.”
With Mbappe injured and Endrick unlikely to start, Bellingham is expected to return to his more advanced role for the next few games. He's contributed two assists in five games across competitions for Real Madrid so far this season.