Real Madrid received an early holiday gift with a last-minute 1-0 triumph, propelling them to the summit of La Liga. This exciting victory not only secured three crucial points but also positioned Real Madrid as leaders in the league standings during the festive season.
Los Blancos embarked on a crucial Thursday evening journey to confront Alaves, fully aware that securing a win was imperative to claim the top spot in the league standings, especially after Girona, the unexpected leaders, settled for a draw against Real Betis.
Despite appearing destined for a draw, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad narrowly escaped that fate with a late, game-changing header from Lucas Vazquez. This pivotal goal not only salvaged their performance but also propelled them past Girona, securing the coveted top position in the league standings.
Their situation was undoubtedly compounded by the pivotal moment when captain Nacho received a yellow card, and subsequently, a red card, a mere nine minutes into the second half. The 33-year-old’s untimely and awkward tackle on Samu Omorodion left the referee with no choice but to issue the expulsion, significantly impacting Real Madrid’s prospects in the match.
Nevertheless, after a VAR consultation revealed Nacho’s studs catching the forward’s ankle, the initial yellow card was elevated to a red card, resulting in Nacho being sent off from the pitch.
Ancelotti faces a challenging situation with Nacho’s suspension, leaving him with only Antonio Rudiger as the sole fit defender, presenting a concerning scenario for Real Madrid’s defensive lineup.
The defensive predicament worsens for Ancelotti as David Alaba and Eder Militao have been sidelined for the season due to severe ACL injuries.
In light of these defensive setbacks, there are speculations that Real Madrid might explore the transfer market for a backup defender. Bild has hinted at the possibility of a move for their former player, Raphael Varane from Manchester United.
Considering the impending expiration of Raphael Varane’s contract at Old Trafford this summer, the likelihood of a move away is growing, making it a strategically sensible option for the French defender.
