Ancelotti’s cardinal mistake that cost Real Madrid the game against Arsenal | OneFootball

The general feeling around Real Madrid has been pessimistic this season, for Los Blancos have been far from convincing on the field and devoid of any sort of plan.

Last night, they humiliatingly fell to a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League in a result that is kind to them.

The Merengues were scandalous across the field, unconvincing in attack and highly unstable through the midfield.

Yet, SPORT lay the blame for the defeat on one decision made by Carlo Ancelotti in his starting lineup concerning the defence.

The failed experiment

Carlo Ancelotti’s starting lineup against the Premier League side raised eyebrows from fans across the globe as he picked David Alaba to play as the left-back ahead of Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy.

Given that Arsenal boast of the pacey and dynamic Bukayo Saka on that flank, the decision was a pivotal and risky one that ultimately backfired for Los Blancos.

Alaba struggled against Saka. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Italian coach’s argument in favour of the Austrian was his experience, for Alaba was once considered one of the best left-backs in the world. Age and recent injury, however, leave him far from his former best and the coach did not factor in that variable.

Last night’s game was Alaba’s first start since December, and the player was visibly rusty having played just 414 minutes this season. Moreover, he has only had a fringe role so far and was far from his physical peak.

Saka simply ran over the veteran defender on the night and created a constant ruckus down the flank. Martin Odegaard compounded problems for the Austrian star who eventually was left helpless in defence.

Despite conspicuously noticing Alaba’s struggles, Ancelotti did not make any changes and went on to ask Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga to help the veteran cover the ground.

In the end, it turned out to be Alaba who conceded the free-kick which eventually gave Arsenal the lead and opened the floodgates.