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Real Madrid fans aren't enthused to see Rodrygo starting against Braga in the UEFA Champions League tonight (October 24).
Rodrygo has struggled of late and is without a goal or assist in his last four games across competitions. The Brazilian attacker has long been regarded as one of Europe's most exciting wingers, but he's faltered recently.
The Real Madrid superstar has bagged just one goal and one assist in 12 games across competitions. It's a stark contrast to the 19 goals and 11 assists in 57 games across competitions he managed last season.
There were suggestions that Carlo Ancelotti could use Rodrygo as a striker this season following Karim Benzema's departure. Los Blancos' boss said during pre-season (via OneFootball):
"Rodrygo has so much potential, either as a centre forward or a second striker."
However, the Brazil superstar's lack of potency in front of goal this season suggests otherwise. He's still earning game time, but fans are growing impatient with Ancelotti's favoritism.
Nevertheless, Rodrygo starts in attack alongside Vinicius Junior, with Jude Bellingham in an advanced midfield role. Luka Modric starts in midfield with Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.
Ancelotti has selected Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Antonio Rudiger, and Fran Garcia in defense. Kepa Arrizabalaga continues in goal, with Thibaut Courtois likely to miss the entire season.
One fan is giving Rodrygo one last chance to impress:
"Rodrygo, this is your last chance, mate."
Another fan hit out Ancelotti for his decision to start the Selecao star over Joselu:
"Ancelotti is a clueless coach. How on earth do you start Rodrygo ahead of Joselu when you know Rodrygo isn't in a good form. Stupid old man."
Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to the Brazilian starting against Braga:
Carlo Ancelotti explains why the Champions League is so important to Real Madrid
Ancelotti has talked up how highly Real Madrid value the Champions League ahead of their clash with Braga. The La Liga giants are the record holders, having won the European title 14 times. The Italian coach said (via the club's official website):
"This competition is very important for Real Madrid and this club has placed a lot of focus on this competition. This is the one we all like the most: the club, players and coaches. It's a special competition and we have to look forward and not backwards.”
Real Madrid last won Europe's elite club competition in the 2021-22 campaign, doing so in an extraordinary fashion. They sealed comeback wins against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City in the knockout stages. Ancelotti's men then beat Liverpool 1-0 in the final.
However, Los Merengues failed to win the Champions League last season as they were destroyed by Manchester City in the semifinals. They suffered a 5-1 defeat on aggregate to the eventual winners.
Madrid are currently top of Group C heading into tonight's game at the Municipal Stadium of Braga. They secured a 1-0 win against Union Berlin and an impressive 3-2 victory against Napoli to open their European campaign.
