Carlo Ancelotti worried about Real Madrid team's performances ahead of UCL clash - Reports
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is concerned about his team's performance ahead of the Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday (October 22), as per SPORT. Los Blancos managed a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in LaLiga on Saturday (October 19).
While both Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior found the back of the net, the backline has the Italian manager worried. Eder Militao looked nervy alongside Antonio Rudiger, and the LaLiga champions had to rely on Thibaut Courtois to bail them out on numerous occasions.
Federico Valverde also failed to have an impact and Real Madrid needed Luka Modric to come off the bench to set up Vinicius for the winner. Ancelotti is least pleased with the situation, especially since the BVB are the team to beat in the Champions League this season.
Nuri Sahin's men have won both their games in Europe so far, including a 7-1 demolition of Celtic on October 1. They are at the top of the table while Los Blancos, who lost 1-0 to Lille in their last game in UCL on October 2, are 17th.
Ancelotti knows that losing another game in Europe could hinder their chances of progressing to the next round. The LaLiga giants have little room for error and have to get the better of Borussia Dortmund this week. Real Madrid have nine wins in 13 games this season, with their solitary defeat coming in Europe.
Will Real Madrid sign a new center-back in 2025?
Real Madrid were keen to upgrade their backline this summer and had their eyes on Leny Yoro. The French starlet had caught the eye with Lille and was already being compared to Raphael Varane.
The 18-year-old was in the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 club, who wanted a fair fee to let him go. Los Blancos refused to match their asking price, hoping to secure the player's services for a reduced fee.
The strategy backfired, with Manchester United snooping in to sign Yoro. The LaLiga giants, meanwhile, remain light at the back, with David Alaba yet to recover from an ACL injury.
The Austrian is on the wrong side of 30, as is Antonio Rudiger, so signing a new partner for Eder Militao is fast becoming a priority for Real Madrid. Recent reports have suggested that they have their eyes on Palmeiras' rising star Vitor Reis. The Brazilian has already caught the eye of multiple clubs across Europe and could be on the move in 2025.