Carlo Ancelotti confirmed during the press conference ahead of the match against Real Betis that Kylian Mbappé is back in the squad after his injury. However, there was also some bad news for the Italian coach: Federico Valverde is not match-fit and will miss Saturday night’s game.
Embed from Getty Images
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti faced a delicate balancing act ahead of the crucial La Liga clash against Real Betis a match that ultimately ended in a hard-fought 2-0 victory for Los Blancos.
It was a game that encapsulated the challenges of modern squad management, with injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion all coming to the fore. Yet, as has been the case so often during Ancelotti’s storied career, the Italian’s calm demeanor and tactical adaptability shone through.
The build-up to the match was dominated by questions surrounding the availability of Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar had missed Real Madrid’s previous outing a Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Real Sociedad due to a dental issue that caused unexpected complications. Mbappé had undergone a tooth extraction but struggled with lingering pain and discomfort, forcing him to withdraw from the squad at the last minute. However, during Friday’s press conference, Ancelotti reassured both fans and media: “He’s doing well. He’s back and ready to help the team.” It was the news Madridistas were desperate to hear, especially with the title race entering a decisive phase.
While Mbappé’s return was a boost, Ancelotti also had to confront the loss of another key player Federico Valverde. The dynamic Uruguayan, a vital piece of Real’s midfield and someone capable of covering multiple roles, was ruled out of the Betis clash due to discomfort. Ancelotti clarified that it wasn’t an injury per se, nor part of a rotation plan, but rather a precautionary measure. “He’s not injured, and it’s not a planned rest either. He’s feeling some discomfort, so he won’t play against Betis. But he’ll be ready for the next match against Atlético Madrid,” the coach explained.
Valverde’s absence was particularly frustrating for Ancelotti given the player’s recent importance. In the dramatic Champions League encounter against Manchester City, Valverde had even stepped into an unfamiliar role at right-back, showcasing his incredible versatility. With Valverde out, Ancelotti had to dig even deeper into his squad for solutions, especially considering that other midfielders were also unavailable. Dani Ceballos had suffered an injury in the previous match against Sociedad, while Jude Bellingham was suspended a suspension Ancelotti himself described as “unfair.”
This left Ancelotti with a patched-up midfield, a situation that could have spelled trouble. Yet, the Italian reminded reporters of Eduardo Camavinga’s pedigree, highlighting the Frenchman’s performance in the 2022 Champions League final. “People seem to forget that Camavinga played in the Champions League final last year. The two holding midfielders that day were Toni Kroos and Camavinga. He has the quality to play there, alongside Luka Modric or Aurélien Tchouaméni.” It was a subtle but important reminder of Real Madrid’s depth and of Ancelotti’s trust in the players at his disposal.
Meanwhile, at right-back another position affected by injuries and rotation Ancelotti addressed the situation surrounding Raúl Asencio. The young defender had been subjected to harsh criticism and even verbal abuse from some Real Madrid fans during the match against Real Sociedad. Ancelotti defended his player, stating: “He was hurt by the comments, but he’s ready to play again.” The coach also explained that Asencio’s more defensive tendencies could actually complement Rodrygo, who likes to play high and wide. “When you have a traditional winger like Rodrygo ahead of you, you don’t need to push forward as much, so Asencio can handle the defensive side well.”
Despite all these complications, Real Madrid produced a mature and disciplined performance at the Benito Villamarín. Goals from Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo secured a 2-0 win a result that ensured Real Madrid remained level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table. It wasn’t always glamorous, but it was the kind of professional display that wins championships.
The result also serves as a significant psychological boost ahead of the upcoming Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid. By then, Ancelotti expects to have a much stronger squad available, with Mbappé fully fit, Bellingham back from suspension, and Valverde ready to return. The combination of experience, youth, and world-class talent should give Real Madrid every chance of maintaining momentum in what is shaping up to be a thrilling title race.
This victory also highlighted the importance of Ancelotti’s man-management skills. Whether it’s protecting young players like Asencio, reassuring key stars like Mbappé, or motivating squad players like Camavinga to step into important roles, Ancelotti’s personal touch continues to be one of his greatest assets. His ability to maintain harmony in a dressing room filled with superstars is a skill that money can’t buy and one that might ultimately make the difference in the final weeks of the season.
For Real Madrid, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Barcelona breathing down their necks in La Liga, Manchester City waiting in the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey still within reach, every decision, every injury, and every piece of rotation matters. Yet, in Ancelotti, Real Madrid have a manager who has seen it all before and who has consistently proven capable of navigating these turbulent waters with poise.
As the squad prepares for the next phase of their campaign, the Betis win serves as both a vital three points and a reminder of the resilience that defines this Real Madrid team. With Mbappé back in the fold, Bellingham set to return, and Valverde rested and ready, Ancelotti will have almost a full deck to play with when it matters most. The Italian’s tactical flexibility and calm under pressure combined with the individual brilliance of his stars could be the perfect recipe for yet another successful season at the Santiago Bernabéu.
