Ancelotti’s True ‘Black Beast’ – The Coach He Still Can’t Defeat

Real Madrid faces a crucial LaLiga clash against Rayo Vallecano, a match that could significantly impact the title race. With two teams ahead of them in the standings, Los Blancos cannot afford to drop points if they hope to stay in contention. However, this fixture brings an unexpected challenge for Carlo Ancelotti—one that has nothing to do with Pep Guardiola or Diego Simeone.

Since his return to Madrid, Ancelotti has struggled against only one LaLiga coach: Íñigo Pérez, the young and promising manager of Rayo Vallecano. Despite facing Pérez’s side twice, the Italian tactician has failed to secure a victory, making this upcominng battle a crucial test of whether Madrid can finally break that streak.

Rotations Expected as Madrid Juggles LaLiga and the Champions League
Madrid’s ambitions in the Champions League will undoubtedly influence Ancelotti’s lineup decisions. With a crucial second-leg clash against Atlético Madrid looming, the Italian coach is expected to rotate his squad against Rayo to keep his key players fresh.

Reports suggest that Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni could be given a rest, allowing Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modrić to take control of midfield. Rodrygo and the highly anticipated summer signing Kylian Mbappé may also begin on the bench, while Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy could be preserved for the Champions League showdown.

One key boost for Madrid is the return of Jude Bellingham, who is available for selection again after serving a suspension. The English midfielder has been a game-changer for Madrid this season, and his presence could be the difference-maker in this fixture.

Íñigo Pérez – The Only LaLiga Manager Ancelotti Hasn’t Beaten
What makes this match even more intriguing is Íñigo Pérez’s impeccable record against Real Madrid. The Rayo boss has faced Ancelotti twice, and on both occasions, his side managed to secure a draw.

It is a remarkable feat consideringthat Madrid has steamrolled most of their domestic opponents. While legendary managers like Xavi and Simeone have struggled to contain Ancelotti’s tactics, Pérez has found a way to consistently frustrate Los Blancos, keeping his unbeaten record intact.

Curiously, only one other LaLiga manager—Hansi Flick—shares a similar record against Ancelotti. While Flick’s tenure at Barcelona is still in its early days, Pérez’s ability to neutralize Madrid has already earned him a reputation as a tactical mastermind.

Rayo Vallecano’s Poor Record at the Bernabéu
While Rayo has been a thorn in Madrid’s side at Vallecas, history tells a different story when they visit the Santiago Bernabéu. Rayo’s record at Madrid’s iconic stadium is abysmal, with the team failing to win in their last 25 visits. Even more damning, they have not managed to score a single goal at the Bernabéu since the year 2000.

Despite Pérez’s success againstAncelotti, these statistics highlight the massive challenge Rayo will face in Madrid. The Bernabéu has been a fortress for Los Blancos, and breaking through their defensive line will require a near-perfect performance.

Ancelotti’s Must-Win Match
This game carries immense significance in the broader context of LaLiga’s title race. With Atlético Madrid and Barcelona also playing this weekend, any slip-up from Madrid could prove disastrous. If Los Blancos fail to win, they risk falling further behind in the standings, making next week’s Barça-Atlético clash even more decisive.

Ancelotti understands the stakes. While the Champions League remains a major priority, Madrid cannot afford to let LaLiga slip away. With their title rivals lurking, every match is a must-win encounter from this point onward.

Can Madrid Finally Overcome Pérez’s Rayo?
For all the tactical battles that have defined Ancelotti’s managerial career, hisstruggles against Pérez stand out as a unique anomaly. It is rare for a Madrid coach to struggle against a mid-table side, yet Pérez has managed to outmaneuver Ancelotti on multiple occasions.

The upcoming fixture at the Bernabéu presents the perfect opportunity for Ancelotti to end this bizarre hoodoo. With home advantage and a squad packed with world-class talent, Madrid will be expected to finally break their winless streak against Pérez’s Rayo.

Tactical Battle: Ancelotti vs. Pérez
One of the key tactical questions heading into this match is whether Pérez will stick to his usual defensive setup or try a more aggressive approach. In their previous encounters, Rayo’s compact defensive structure frustrated Madrid, forcing them into wide areas and limiting their clear-cut chances.

However, playing at the Bernabéu is a different challenge altogether. If Pérez chooses to sit too deep, Madrid’s attacking firepower—especially with Bellingham’s return—could break them down with ease. On the other hand, if Rayo attempts to play on the front foot, they could leave themselves vulnerable to Madrid’s devastating counter-attacks.

Potential Game-Changers
Apart from Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior could play a vital role in breaking down Rayo’s defense. The Brazilian winger has been in top form, using his pace and dribbling skills to unsettle defenders. If Rayo tries to sit deep, Vinícius could be Madrid’s main weapon in stretching their defensive shape.

Additionally, Eduardo Camavinga’s role in midfield could be crucial. With Valverde and Tchouaméni potentially rested, the Frenchman will have more responsibility in controlling the tempo and ensuring Madrid does not lose the midfield battle.

A Defining Moment for Madrid’s Season
With every game now carrying significant weight, Madrid knows they cannot afford to slip up. Winning against Rayo would not only maintain their title challenge but also provide a confidence boost ahead of their Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid.

On the flip side, another setback against Pérez’s side could raise concerns about Ancelotti’s approach in these types of matches. While Madrid’s overall season has been strong, their struggles against certain tactical setups could be an issue in the latter stages of the campaign.

The Verdict
This match is more than just a regular LaLiga fixture—it is a statement game for Ancelotti and his team. Breaking their winless streak against Pérez would reaffirm their title ambitions and silence any doubts about their ability to navigate tough domestic fixtures.

Will Ancelotti finally overcome his ‘black beast,’ or will Pérez once again prove to be the unexpected mastermind capable of frustrating Madrid? The answer will unfold at the Santiago Bernabéu, where history, tactics, and title aspirations collide.