Carlo Ancelotti confirms 21-year-old centre-back will start against Liverpool

In their most difficult UEFA Champions League match of the season, Real Madrid is getting ready to play Liverpool today at Anfield. The defending champs can't afford any more mistakes after losing twice already in the campaign. Carlo Ancelotti evaluated his team prior to the crucial match, which they enter following consecutive victories, according to Diario AS.

The former Bayern Munich manager said, “The team is fine. We have improved, we are more solid. Now we have a very demanding team in front of us. It’s a great opportunity to get back to our best level. I have total confidence that it will be a great match. We will be competitive.”

Raul Asencio will continue to play in the Real Madrid starting lineup, joining Antonio Rudiger inside the center of defense, according to Ancelotti's confirmation. The former Paris Saint-Germain manager said, “I see him well, and with personality. He’s ready and focused. He did very well in the last two games and I’m convinced that he will also do well tomorrow.”

“Madrid has had 11 muscle injuries” : Carlo Ancelotti

The head coach of Real Madrid continued by talking about injuries in general. This season, Ancelotti in particular has suffered from a string of serious injuries to important players, which has had a significant effect on the team's results.

The former AC Milan manager said that, “In three months, Madrid has had 11 muscle injuries. Is there anything else? Yes, but we have also had seven defeats. Avoiding this is complicated. It is difficult, because it is not only Madrid’s problem, but also other teams. Each team handles these things in their own way, but what does not change are the injuries. We have to put up with this. We have to think like last year, that injuries are an opportunity to be better. It is no coincidence that the injuries of Lucas, Militao, and Rodrygo have changed the dynamic of the team,”