Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti considering starting Brazil international as right-back during El Clasico against Barcelona: Reports
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is planning to use Eder Militao at right-back against Barcelona in this weekend's El Clasico. The two heavyweights of Spanish football lock heads in the league on Saturday, October 26, at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Italian manager is already sweating on the fitness of Rodrygo Goes, who picked up a thigh injury in the midweek 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have already announced that Thibaut Courtois has injured the adductor muscle on his left leg.
The Belgian custodian is unlikely to be availble against Barcelona this weekend, thus, Ancelotti will have to turn to Andriy Lunin between the sticks. However, the Italain manager is also concerned about the right-back position, with Dani Carvajal out with an ACL injury.
The Spaniard is unlikely to play again this campaign, with Lucas Vazquez expected to deputize in his absence. However, Ancelotti is now considering using Eder Militao at right-back to add more solidity to the position.
One reason behind his decision could be Raphinha's recent form. The Brazilian has rediscovered himself on the left-wing this season under Hansi Flick and scored a hattrick in the 4-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the Champions League.
Interestingly, the 27-year-old is the first player to score a first half brace against the Bavarians in the competition since Neymar, who achieved the feat with Barcelona in 2015. Raphinha, as such, could force Real Madrid to rethink their tactics ahead of this weekend's tie.
How have Real Madrid and Barcelona fared in El Clasico?
The upcoming El Clasico will be the 301st time that Barcelona and Real Madrid have faced each other in their illustrious history, including friendly games. Of these, 257 games have been competitive ties, with a further 43 exhibition games.
Los Blancos have the lead in the competitive games played so far, with 105 wins to the Catalans' 100, with 52 games ending in draws. Last season Real Madrid won 2-1 away from home and 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Barcelona will be up for revenge this year and arrive at the game in fantastic form. The Catalans have won 11 of their 13 games across competitions this season under Hansi Flick and are leading the LaLiga table after ten games.
However, Los Blancos have also picked up form of late. Carlo Ancelotti's team secured a 5-2 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this week in the Champions League, with Vinicius Jr scoring a hattrick.