Real Madrid Faces Lineup Dilemma Against RB Salzburg Without Kylian Mbappé
Real Madrid’s Plans Hit by Mbappé Absence Before RB Salzburg Clash
The timing could hardly be more awkward for Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid are gearing up for a crucial FIFA Club World Cup match against RB Salzburg, yet have to do it without their new Kylian Mbappé signing. Mbappé, brought in with high hopes for global glory, is forced to sit out due to illness. That throws Madrid's attacking blueprint up in the air, and suddenly nothing about their starting XI looks nailed on.
In Madrid, eyes turn not just to the treatment table, but also to who will fill that gaping hole up front. Brazilian forward Rodrygo, only recently back from injury himself, is at the center of speculation. He started the tournament opener against Al-Hilal, but was left on the bench for the test against Pachuca. Is he still match-shy, or just being managed carefully? Ancelotti kept his cards close to the chest in the pre-match press conference, giving nothing away but a wry smile.
Then there's Rodrigo’s young understudy, Gonzalo Garcia. The homegrown attacker has impressed during his limited minutes, even drawing praise from senior players for his composure under pressure. With so much uncertainty over the attacking lineup, Garcia could see the biggest chance of his career—at least for now.
Adding to the drama, Madrid’s last match was anything but smooth sailing. Down to 10 men, they ground out a bruising draw against Pachuca. It wasn’t pretty; it was stubborn. The kind of performance that keeps the critics talking but leaves supporters breathing a sigh of relief. Now, with Salzburg looming and group leadership on the line, Madrid will need more grit—or just a little luck in front of goal—to avoid any slip-ups.
Analysts Still Back Madrid Despite Tactical Headaches
Throw in Madrid’s historic pedigree and bench depth, those in the know are still backing Los Blancos. Even if the exact formation is up for debate, most agree the Spanish giants have enough quality to get it over the line, one way or another. Salzburg, for all their attacking ambition, have struggled to match the tempo and discipline of Europe's elite. Pundits predict a tight 1-2 scoreline in favor of Madrid, pointing to their knack for rising to the occasion even when handicapped by absences.
For Real Madrid’s supporters, it’s a big test of the squad’s true depth beyond the star names on billboards. If Ancelotti’s reshuffled lineup delivers, it could signal Madrid’s readiness to handle adversity far beyond this tournament. And for young hopefuls like Garcia, it’s a rare chance to prove they can shine on the world’s stage, with the group’s top spot now within their grasp.