Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence that his team can handle the absence of Kylian Mbappe (25) in their La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Mbappe, who has been sidelined for three weeks due to a hamstring injury, will miss the crucial match. Despite this, Ancelotti believes his side is well-equipped to perform without the French star, noting that they managed without him last season.
“Playing without Mbappe changes things slightly, but not significantly. We’re used to playing without him,” Ancelotti said in a press conference. He acknowledged Mbappe’s absence but stressed that Real Madrid has enough attacking power with players like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius, who has been in excellent form lately, is expected to be a key player against Atletico. However, the Brazilian forward has faced racial abuse, especially from some Atletico fans. A Mallorca fan was recently sentenced to a year in prison for abusing Vinicius, and ahead of this derby, a group of Atletico supporters launched a disturbing online campaign encouraging others to wear face masks to evade detection while targeting Vinicius.
Ancelotti refrained from discussing the issue of racial abuse but emphasized that the match should be “an entertaining spectacle.” Real Madrid lost to Atletico in September 2023 but have remained unbeaten in 39 La Liga matches since.
“We have a plan and will try to avoid the mistakes we made last year,” Ancelotti added, expressing optimism for the upcoming game.
He also confirmed that French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has recovered from injury and will be available for the derby.
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