Ancelotti unveiled a change in the line-up ahead of the City game. In what way did he shift Vinícius the most?

Carlo Ancelotti returned to the Real Madrid bench before the season and was given two tasks. To win La Liga and the Champions League. He completed the first one at the weekend with a month’s notice, now he will attempt the second task. Before the semi-final with Manchester City, he also unveiled a change in the line-up.

Real Madrid got off to a terrible start in their first game at the Etihad Stadium. De Bruyne scored in the first minute and by the eleventh minute the Citizens were already leading 2-0. The Merengues, however, got Benzema back into the game, but his goal was answered by Foden.

Vinícius reduced it to 2: 3 after a wonderful action, but Bernardo Silva added another goal for the home side. But a few minutes before the end, Benzema scored a penalty to reduce the score to 3:4. Given Citizens’ great chances, Real took a relatively decent and promising result into the rematch.

They must try to score goals, but at the same time they must not forget to defend. David Alaba, who was injured in the first leg in Manchester, will be missing.

“There’s no doubt Alaba can’t play, he’s not ready for tomorrow. But the defensive strategy remains unchanged, Alaba is an important building block, but Nacho is also playing very well, he has enough experience and will surely do well tomorrow,” Ancelotti told the press conference of the forced change in the line-up.

Karim Benzema is clearly Real’s biggest driver this season, but he has been among the elite for several years. Thus, the biggest difference is seen in the case of Vinicius Junior, who, although he had a lot of potential, only unlocked it fully this season and ranked among the most dangerous strikers in the world.

“He hasn’t changed his position this season, what he has changed is his finishing. He’s much more calm, more relaxed, he’s not rash and he chooses the right solution. It’s not a technical or tactical aspect because I haven’t changed his position. He has grown a lot. He has gained confidence with the playing time he has been given, he has played like one of the most,” Ancelotti assesses his charge.

Source: UEFA