Real Madrid rotation sees Alvaro Carreras in makeshift centre‑back role

• September 24, 2025
• C Badenhorst
• 0 Comments

Alvaro Carreras‑to‑centre‑back and other defensive shuffles

Real Madrid’s manager Xabi Alonso isn’t afraid to bend the rules when it comes to keeping his squad fresh. For the upcoming La Liga meeting with newly‑promoted Levante, he’s taken Alvaro Carreras out of his regular midfield berth and planted him in the heart of defence. It’s a makeshift move, but the Spaniard trusts the youngster’s tactical sense to help shore up the back line.

Fran García steps in for the rested Dani Carvajal, lining up on the left side of defence. On the opposite flank, Raúl Asencio gets the nod at right‑back, completing a defensive lineup that looks very different from the one that carried Madrid through the first five matches.

Dean Huijsen, who missed the last game due to a one‑match ban, returns to partner Carreras in central defence. Meanwhile, Eder Militao gets a breather despite his recent hot form. In goal, Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed number one, having helped the team concede only two goals in five games while keeping three clean sheets.

Why the rotation matters and what it means for the season

Alonso’s squad rotation is more than just a chance to give fringe players minutes. With Madrid perched at the top of La Liga on a perfect record, the manager is already looking ahead to the bigger challenges – the derby against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano and a demanding trip to Almaty to face Kairat.

In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni sits out, and Dani Ceballos slides into the middle of the park alongside Arda Güler and captain Federico Valverde. The change adds a bit more creativity and less defensive rigidity, something Alonso says could be useful against teams that press hard.

Up front, Gonzalo García, who started the previous match against Espanyol, is left out. Instead, the forward line consists of Franco Mastantuono, Kyline Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr. The trio blends speed, flair, and a proven goal‑scoring instinct – exactly the mix needed to keep Levante on the back foot.

This strategic shuffling underlines what Alonso calls a “goal‑oriented rotation.” He wants to preserve the squad’s physical condition, avoid injuries, and still maintain the high‑tempo style that has defined Madrid’s early season success. By Real Madrid rotation he hopes to walk into the Atletico derby with a full 18 points, keeping the perfect start alive while giving his players a clear picture of the workload ahead.

All eyes will be on whether Carreras can hold his own as a centre‑back and how the new back‑four gels against Levante’s attack. If the plan works, Madrid could cruise through this fixture, preserve its clean‑sheet record, and arrive at the derby with both confidence and a rested squad ready for the next big test.