Is Carlo Ancelotti Losing His Touch? Real Madrid’s Tactical Struggles and Costly Decisions!

 Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 defeat to Real Betis has raised serious concerns among fans and analysts alike. The game not only exposed tactical shortcomings but also highlighted questionable managerial decisions by Carlo Ancelotti. While he remains one of the most respected coaches in football, there is growing skepticism about whether he is maximizing the potential of his squad. From controversial player selections to an apparent lack of tactical flexibility, Ancelotti’s decisions are under scrutiny.

Questionable Squad Selections – Why Leave Out the Best?

One of the most baffling choices in this match was Ancelotti’s decision to bench Raúl Asencio, arguably Madrid’s most in-form defender. Instead, he opted for David Alaba, who is returning from injury and lacked match sharpness. Given Asencio’s consistency and solid defensive contributions, this move seemed like an unnecessary gamble that weakened Madrid’s backline.

The midfield also suffered due to a lack of control. With Dani Ceballos injured, Madrid lost a deep-lying playmaker who had proven himself capable of controlling the tempo of matches. Since Toni Kroos retired, Madrid has struggled to find a player with his level of composure and passing precision. Ceballos, despite limited playing time in previous seasons, was beginning to fill that role effectively, and his absence was felt.

Moreover, Federico Valverde was not fully fit for this clash. Recently, Valverde has performed exceptionally well at right-back, a position that requires both defensive discipline and attacking intent. Instead of taking precautions, Ancelotti started Lucas Vázquez, a player who has repeatedly shown defensive vulnerabilities. Betis exploited this weakness, frequently targeting the right flank and creating dangerous chances. This raises an important question: Why is Vázquez still getting game time in crucial matches when Madrid has better options?

Tactical Inflexibility – Why Not Adapt to the Players Available?

Ancelotti has been sticking rigidly to the traditional 4-3-3 formation, even when it doesn’t suit the available players. With key midfielders missing, a tactical switch to a more compact or defensively stable setup could have been beneficial. However, Madrid seemed disorganized in midfield, failing to dictate play as they normally would.

Another surprising decision was substituting Kylian Mbappé instead of Vinícius Jr. While Mbappé was Madrid’s biggest goal threat, Ancelotti brought on Endrick, a talented youngster but not yet experienced at this level. If changes were needed, why not move Mbappé to the left wing and take off Vinícius, who was having an off day? This substitution weakened Madrid’s attacking presence at a crucial stage of the match.

Isco’s Masterclass and Antony’s First Real Madrid Test

Real Betis’ victory was also marked by a brilliant performance from Isco, a former Madridista who showcased his immense quality. The midfielder dictated play, controlled the tempo, and reminded Madrid of what they had lost. Isco’s ability to exploit Madrid’s midfield weaknesses was a key factor in Betis securing the win.

On the other hand, Antony, Betis’s new signing, had his first real test in La Liga. While he showed glimpses of skill, it was clear that he needs time to settle into Betis’s system. Betis’s right-wing problem is still unsolved, and Antony will need to step up if he is to be the long-term solution.

Where is the Fighting Spirit? Real Madrid Losing Their Dominance

This loss is not an isolated incident. Real Madrid have been dropping points consistently, allowing Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to challenge for the top spot in La Liga. The squad’s depth is being tested, and Ancelotti must find solutions before things spiral further out of control.

Madrid’s defensive fragility, midfield imbalance, and attacking inefficiency all point to a larger issue: Ancelotti is not getting the best out of his squad. While injuries have played a role, his reluctance to adapt and make bold changes is costing the team valuable points.

What Needs to Change?

1. Play the Best Players Available – Raúl Asencio has been performing well and should not be benched in big matches. Similarly, Fran García is a solid left-back, yet Ferland Mendy keeps getting starts despite his inconsistency. These are small but crucial selection decisions that need to be corrected.

2. Stop Relying on Veterans for 90 Minutes – Luka Modrić is a legend, but at 38 years old, playing him for a full match every week is not sustainable. Madrid need to rotate more effectively.

3. Adapt to the Squad’s Strengths – If key midfielders are unavailable, a shift in formation is necessary. A more balanced system, perhaps a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2, could help Madrid stabilize games better.

4. Use Substitutions Wisely – Taking off Mbappé instead of Vinícius was a poor decision. Ancelotti must manage substitutions based on who is performing in the match rather than sticking to pre-planned changes.

Conclusion: Ancelotti Must Evolve or Madrid Will Suffer

Carlo Ancelotti’s legacy as a manager is unquestionable, but his recent decisions are raising doubts. A coach of his experience should be able to adapt better to injuries, player form, and match situations. Real Madrid are still in the title race, but if they continue on this path, they risk falling behind.

The question is: Can Ancelotti recognize his mistakes and make the necessary changes before it’s too late? Madridistas will be hoping he does—because at this level, every mistake is costly.