According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that he wants special attention on Julian Alvarez in the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine forward has already shown his ability to trouble the Madrid defence, having scored a stunning goal against Thibaut Courtois in the first leg.
With Courtois set to return after recovering from a minor issue that kept him out of the recent win against Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti is determined to prevent Alvarez from making a similar impact.
To achieve this, the Italian coach has assigned Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio the responsibility of marking the Atletico striker.
Both defenders will be tasked with tracking Alvarez closely, ensuring that he is constantly under pressure when he moves into their respective areas.
The objective is to force him into wider positions where he is less dangerous or contain him until a full-back arrives to help close down any space.
Given the importance of maintaining control in midfield, Ancelotti is likely to rely on a physically strong setup.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga could form a double pivot to provide extra protection for the backline, while Jude Bellingham will continue to play a key role in the attacking transitions.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde and Ferland Mendy are expected to start as full-backs on the right and left sides, respectively.
Both players will have a crucial role in the defensive setup, particularly in supporting the effort to neutralise Alvarez. Their ability to provide cover and track back effectively will be essential in limiting the Argentine’s impact on the game.
With a well-structured defensive plan in place, Ancelotti is focused on ensuring that Alvarez does not get the space or freedom to exploit Madrid’s backline.
The strategy will require discipline and coordination, but if executed correctly, it could prove decisive in securing a positive result against Atletico Madrid.