Carlo Ancelotti is weighing the option of playing David Alaba against Real Sociedad in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, partnering him with Asensio in central defence. The club and coaching staff have been carefully managing the Austrian’s recovery, but given the current situation, he remains the most likely choice. His inclusion would also allow Rüdiger to rest.

Step by step, Alaba is regaining his physical condition, getting closer to the level he was at before his cruciate ligament tear. He recently crossed a major milestone: playing two consecutive full matches—one with Real Madrid and the other with Austria. His return to the pitch for the second leg with his national team was another significant step.

“He’s doing very well, but playing him every three days could be a risk. Against Real Sociedad, he has a better chance,” Ancelotti explained in the Copa del Rey preview. This reasoning explains why he wasn’t used off the bench against Leganés and why he is now set to start against the Txuri-urdin.

To defend their 1-0 lead from the first leg, Ancelotti is also considering Valverde—not in his usual midfield role, but at right-back. He has relied on him in big moments before, and Tuesday’s match is no exception. Real Madrid are just 90 minutes away (barring extra time) from reaching their fourth final of the season, having already won the European and Intercontinental Super Cups while falling short in the Spanish Super Cup.

Valverde, nicknamed El Falcón, is not just an emergency option; he is a necessity on big occasions. On the opposite flank, Fran García is expected to start while Mendy remains injured. This will be a crucial test for the La Mancha native in his battle for the left-back spot against Ferland Mendy. Meanwhile, in goal, Lunin could be facing his last game of the season in Courtois’ absence.

In midfield, there’s some uncertainty, though the advantage leans toward the French duo. Modric, after an exhausting international break where he played 172 minutes—including 81 against Leganés—needs a breather. That opens the door for the Tchouaméni-Camavinga double pivot, the most logical option at this stage.

However, the challenge remains the same: chemistry. So far, the French pair have struggled to truly complement each other, often occupying similar spaces on the pitch. They must learn not only to provide defensive stability but also to act as a springboard for the attack.

Up front, Ancelotti will unleash his full arsenal. Bellingham as the playmaker, flanked by Rodrygo on the right and Vinicius on the left, with Mbappé leading the line. A lineup brimming with goals and attacking certainty, especially with Mbappé in record-breaking form—already at 33 goals this season, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally in his first year at Real Madrid.

Yet, there are concerns. The biggest question mark is Vinicius, who has been struggling for form. His spark dimmed in February, and he has scored just twice in his last 14 games for Madrid. If there’s ever a time to bounce back, it’s in a match with the intensity of a final.

The Brazilian’s light has gone out in front of goal and he has scored two goals in his last 14 matches with Madrid.

Ancelotti’s likely starting XI: Lunin; Valverde, Asensio, Alaba, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.