Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Carlo Ancelotti, La Liga, Real Madrid, Football
Marcus Chan
Real Madrid have suffered a major injury blow that could derail their season.
On Saturday afternoon, Madrid welcomed Osasuna to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as they looked to close the gap to leaders Barcelona.
At the start of the weekend, Hansi Flick's men are nine points ahead at the top of La Liga after a fine start to the 24/25 campaign.
However, Madrid were dealt a quick blow when Rodrygo was forced off in the 20th minute with an injury, replaced by Brahim Diaz.
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Just 10 minutes after Rodrygo's injury, Carlo Ancelotti was forced to make another change as defender Eder Militao went down injured.
The injury looked serious as he was eventually stretchered off and was replaced by Raul Asencio.
Los Blancos will now be left sweating over the severity of the injuries with key fixtures against Leganes and Liverpool on the horizon.
As reported by Relevo, Madrid fear that Militao has torn his cruciate ligament.
Despite the double injury blow, Madrid took the lead in the 34th minute thanks to a fine finish by Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior. England man Jude Bellingham doubled Madrid's lead in the 42nd minute with a beautiful lob over the Osasuna goalkeeper.
Ancelotti is under slight pressure at Madrid after their recent 4-0 El Clasico defeat against Barcelona, plus their 3-1 Champions League loss against AC Milan earlier in the week.
Speaking recently, Ancelotti revealed the biggest mistake he made during his time as Madrid boss.
He said: "It is impossible to make only good decisions in thirty years.
"For example, I had a bad one here in Madrid, after my first year. I was very close to extending my contract, the club wanted to keep me, but I pushed too hard in relation to my salary and they stopped."
Ancelotti added: "It was a mistake, the worst I could have made. But it allowed me to learn."
When asked about dealing with big name players, the Italian said: "Generally, the most important players are the easiest to deal with. They may have a big ego, but that can be their motivation. It’s not a problem to have a big ego if you prove yourself on the pitch and behave well. Teammates will follow and help.
"Last season’s team was the easiest to coach because egos were low in the dressing room. The veterans Modric, Kroos, Carvajal, Nacho, they have no ego. They served as an example to everyone who saw them. From a relational point of view, it was great. No player complained about not playing. It was a dream."