Real Madrid Won’t Miss a Beat Without Kylian Mbappé Against Atlético
Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed the significance of Kylian Mbappé’s injury-enforced absence from the Madrid derby against Atlético on Sunday. The French superstar suffered a thigh injury during Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Alavés and is expected to be out for around three weeks.
While Mbappé’s absence is a significant blow, Ancelotti is confident that his side can adapt without him. "We’re used to playing without him," Ancelotti said. "Last year he wasn’t here. It’s a shame that he’s not here for this game, but I think we can deal with his absence well."
Ancelotti dismissed the idea of a significant tactical shift without Mbappé, stating that he won’t focus on systems but rather on the team playing for each other with commitment. This means we could see Vinícius Júnior or Rodrygo on the right wing, with a possible midfield role for Jude Bellingham.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone, on the other hand, believes that Real’s biggest miss will be midfielder Toni Kroos, who retired this summer. "Our opponent has lost a really important player in midfield, Kroos, necessary in any team to give balance," Simeone said. "I think they’re looking for that player who can give them calm, to make the most of all the offensive power they have."
Real go into the derby on a 39-game unbeaten run in LaLiga, with their last defeat coming in September 2023, in the same fixture. Atlético will be looking to avoid mistakes of last year’s game, where they raced into a two-goal lead and went on to win 3-1.
Will Real’s midfield be the key to unlocking Atlético’s defense? Can Atlético capitalize on Real’s potential weaknesses without Mbappé? The answers will be revealed on Sunday at the Metropolitano.
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