Hansi Flick’s team started the season in excellent form, achieving 8 wins in their first 9 matches, performing well in all except for the sole loss against Osasuna.
Real Madrid is preparing to face Barcelona in the La Liga Clasico on the 26th of this month at the Santiago Bernabeu, a match that will determine the lead in the league.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper Defensa Central, despite the spotlight being on the strikers, one of the most prominent players for Ancelotti is Brazilian winger Rafinha, who is having a historic season with Barcelona.
The Brazilian was among the players offered for sale last summer, but he refused to leave and insisted on staying with the Catalan team to prove his quality. He has started this season strongly and is playing a key role under Flick, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s position at the top of the La Liga standings.
This may explain why Florentino Perez and Ancelotti are so impressed with Rafinha, as the Real Madrid president has commented on several occasions to those close to him that the Barcelona winger possesses a great deal of talent and potential.
When the time for the Clasico arrives, Ancelotti will prepare meticulously for the match, seeking to ensure that his right-back receives support on that wing, while Rafinha is expected to play a dual role on the flank, potentially making a significant impact in the game.
The newspaper concluded that the Real Madrid coach has not hidden his concern regarding the Brazilian player and will prepare specifically to neutralize his threat in the upcoming Clasico.
