The situation has become more serious when Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have been injured and have been out for the past few weeks. The absence of a player who can play the right-back role like Vazquez has added to the burden on Ancelotti.

As a replacement, the Italian coach is likely to move Federico Valverde to the right-back position, while continuing to put his faith in the central defenders Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio. On the left, Fran Garcia could continue to start against Man City. Another left-back, Ferland Mendy, was on the bench against Atletico Madrid and is doubtful of playing in the Champions League this midweek.

The La Liga title race is becoming unpredictable. Compared to the Premier League, where Arne Slot’s Liverpool have a significant advantage, the race in Spain’s top league is more unpredictable than ever.

ESPN said it is very difficult to predict which team will be crowned champion at the end of the season, especially when Atletico, Real Madrid and Barca still have a chance in the Champions League.