Real Madrid faced a setback when it was confirmed that David Alaba would be unavailable for the second leg against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals. Carlo Ancelotti stated clearly that the Austrian defender would not participate in the decisive clash on Wednesday, a definitive determination that left Madrid with limited options at the back.
In the hours after the news, Alaba remained listed in Real Madrid’s 23-man squad, joined by teammates who were fit while Isco, Hazard, and Bale stayed sidelined. The sense of cautious optimism around a late-minute comeback persisted, yet the decision underscored how fragile the squad could be for a match of such magnitude.
✅ Our match squad @ManCityES!#UCL pic.twitter.com/HF9uEZHkOw
– Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) May 3, 2022
Ancelotti confirmed Nacho Fernandez would slot into central defense. The tactical approach would not shift drastically in response to Alaba’s absence, with Madrid sticking to their established defensive principles against City.
The news of Alaba’s absence was a blow for Real Madrid, especially following a 4-3 victory in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium a week earlier. Yet the season’s stats hinted at broader resilience within the squad, showing that results could still be achieved even when a key player was sidelined.
Since joining Real Madrid after leaving Bayern Munich, Alaba had started 45 of 50 official matches in his first season wearing the white shirt, missing only five games due to injuries. The team won all five matches he missed because of physical issues.
Alaba’s first absence occurred in the fourth La Liga matchday as Madrid returned to the Santiago Bernabéu after the pandemic, with Nacho often stepping in to fill the gap. The result against Celta was a 5-2 triumph for Madrid.
Three months of uninterrupted playing followed until December 22, when a leg issue forced him out during a league match at San Mamés. The club faced a challenging period amid a broader health crisis, yet Madrid still managed to beat Athletic 1-2, though Ancelotti fielded a slightly lighter lineup.
After a brief spell back from vacation, Alaba missed the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Barcelona due to muscle trouble, a match Madrid eventually won as Valverde sealed the path to the final. Alaba later returned to the starting XI for big fixtures, helping Madrid stay competitive in a demanding schedule.
Alaba’s next absence came on February 26 during a league trip to Vallecas, caused by mild adductor discomfort. Madrid pressed on, with Karim Benzema’s late goal securing three points.
The most recent absence before the match against City occurred the previous Saturday in a league game against Espanyol, when Madrid clinched the league title, and Alaba was not risked due to injury concerns. Casemiro and Jesus Vallejo formed a temporary partnership in defense as Nacho, suspended, watched from the sidelines.
Real Madrid then secured the league title this week after defeating Espanyol. In the backline, Carvajal, Militao, and Mendy formed a resilient spine, with Casemiro increasingly trusted in front of the defense. The team boasted a solid record this season when all three defenders were on the pitch, reinforcing the depth that supports Madrid’s consistency.
Alaba’s head-to-head record against City has entered the broader narrative of Real Madrid’s tactical flexibility. The side has met tough fixtures by leaning on depth and experience across the squad, with substitutes stepping up in crucial moments to sustain performance levels.
Throughout the season, Alaba has been a prominent presence, contributing minutes and steadying Madrid’s results. His absence in a key knockout contest serves as a reminder of how a single injury can ripple through a squad, while the collective strength and balance of the group carry Madrid forward under pressure.
Overall, the season has highlighted the Austrian defender as a central figure in Madrid’s run, with the team achieving wins in many matches he has played. The coaching staff continues to trust the squad’s depth, keeping Madrid competitive in both domestic and European competitions.