Ancelotti likely to start 25-year-old Real Madrid ace ahead o

Ancelotti Set to Favor Fran Garcia Over Mendy for Real Madrid’s Clash Against Rayo Vallecano

The battle for the left-back position at Real Madrid has been an ongoing tussle between Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia, with neither managing to fully establish themselves as the undisputed first-choice. Throughout the season, Carlo Ancelotti has frequently rotated between the two, seeking stability in a position that remains up for grabs.

At one stage, it appeared that Garcia had gained the upper hand, particularly after Mendy’s forgettable performance in the Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona. The Spaniard was given a run of starts, hinting at a possible shift in Ancelotti’s preference. However, when it comes to crucial fixtures, the Frenchman continues to be the go-to option. His inclusion in the starting XI for the last five UEFA Champions League encounters—against RB Salzburg, Brest, Manchester City, and Atletico Madrid—underscores Ancelotti’s faith in his experience on the big stage.

Garcia Poised to Start Against Rayo Vallecano

According to reports from AS, Ancelotti is preparing to start Fran Garcia at left-back when Real Madrid face Rayo Vallecano in their upcoming La Liga fixture. The decision is largely strategic—Mendy is expected to be rested to ensure he is in peak condition for the pivotal second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 next Wednesday.

For Garcia, this presents an opportunity to showcase his credentials once again. Since rejoining Real Madrid in 2023 following a successful stint at Rayo Vallecano, the 25-year-old has struggled to convince the coaching staff that he deserves a permanent spot in the starting lineup. Despite featuring in 32 matches across all competitions this season—starting 18 of them and accumulating 1,791 minutes—his performances have yet to solidify his status as the club’s first-choice left-back.

As Real Madrid prepares to take on Rayo, Garcia will be eager to make a strong impression. While his long-term future as a starter remains uncertain, all signs point to him leading the defensive line on the left flank in this upcoming match.

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Real Madrid Set €70 Million Price Tag on Eduardo Camavinga Amid PSG, Man City Interest

This season has been far from ideal for Eduardo Camavinga. The French midfielder, once hailed as the heir to Toni Kroos in Real Madrid’s midfield, has faced persistent struggles. Injuries and inconsistent form have hampered his progress, leading to questions about his future at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Following Kroos’ retirement, many expected Camavinga to take on a more significant role within Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. However, he has found himself overshadowed by the likes of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, and Dani Ceballos. His performances have often been subpar, with costly mistakes diminishing his reliability in key moments.

Real Madrid Open to Selling Camavinga in the Summer

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid is now considering offers for Camavinga, setting a starting price of €70 million. Despite his inconsistent displays, the 22-year-old remains a highly sought-after talent. European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are closely monitoring his situation, viewing him as a potential reinforcement for their midfield.

With Camavinga still under contract until 2029, Real Madrid is in no rush to sell but is willing to negotiate should the right offer come in. Given the growing interest from PSG and Manchester City, a bidding war could be on the horizon. However, no formal bids have been submitted yet.

Despite his immense potential, Camavinga’s struggles this season have raised doubts about his long-term place in Madrid’s midfield. As the summer transfer window approaches, the Frenchman’s future remains one of the most intriguing storylines to watch.