Injury setbacks reshape Real Madrid’s defensive lineup as substitutes take stage
The Austrian defender has faced a string of injuries, allowing Nacho and Rudiger to step in as dependable replacements.
David Alaba, who joined Real Madrid with a reputation for solidity, once formed an unassailable partnership with Éder Militao, helping the Spanish giants stabilize their back line. Yet injuries disrupted his rhythm, forcing him to work his way back to prominence as the season unfolds.
Ferland Mendy’s latest injury left a gap on the left flank just as a crucial matchday arrived. With Nacho suspended, Alaba becomes the natural option on the left — or the alternative is for Carlo Ancelotti to move Camavinga to that position. The Austrian must prove to the coach that he can reclaim a starting role at Camp Nou and in the battle to reach Chelsea’s level in the tie that follows.
Alaba’s recent form has cast doubts on his status as Madrid’s unquestioned regular. His performance at Anfield, where he exited the field under a cloud of scrutiny, contrasted with an image of Nacho entering the fray and lifting the tie with a decisive shift. The shift helped Madrid advance, underscoring that individual fortunes can swing based on game context.
In central defense, Nacho remains alongside Antonio Rudiger, a pairing that has endured a demanding period of competition and expectations. Rudiger, who arrived after a trophy-laden spell at Chelsea, is gradually recapturing the presence that defined him as a cornerstone of Madrid’s backline. Recent displays have shown him at a high level, forming a stable partnership with Militao as the season progresses.
Alaba enjoyed an outstanding first season at Real Madrid, and the early phase of the current campaign featured a mix of praise and criticism. While some observers argued about the balance of Madrid’s defense, the broader narrative suggested that structural issues within the squad were impacting defensive performances more than any single player.
What becomes evident is that Alaba needs to reestablish his pace, reliability, and ball-playing composure — traits that were crucial to Madrid’s success last season. For now, his role is no longer guaranteed. He must demonstrate that he can still contribute at the highest level and reclaim a regular spot in the team. The outcome of the remainder of the season will hinge on his ability to reassert himself and maintain consistency across big matches and important fixtures.
The coming weeks will determine whether Alaba reclaims his status as a frontline defender or whether Madrid continues to lean on the depth of the squad to sustain performance levels. The squad’s evolution in defense will likely be shaped by injuries, tactical tweaks, and the coaching staff’s judgments about balance and form.
Note: analysis reflects ongoing assessments of player form and squad depth as the season progresses.