Araujo expected to play as an RB against Real Madrid, Alonso will replace Christensen

Despite keeping a clean sheet against Elche, Xavi is expected to make minor changes in his defence during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, with Andreas Christensen ruled out of the game, Marcos Alonso is expected to accompany Joules Kounde in the centre of defence while Ronald Araujo will return to the right-back spot, as he did in the first-leg.

Interestingly enough, the first-leg tie at Santiago Bernabeu also saw Alonso partnering with Kounde at the back. Even for that fixture, Christensen was ruled out due to physical discomfort. 

This time around, however, the Denmark international picked up a calf injury during national team duty and as it turns out, he is expected to take three to four weeks to recover.

Now, Xavi can also ponder the option of playing his fourth-choice centre-back Eric Garcia, but his recent heroics in midfield against Elche has opened up a possibility of a position change in the future. This leaves Alonso the only viable option for Xavi for this game.

Having already played alongside Kounde in the first leg, Alonso is Xavi’s best bet and the former Chelsea full-back proved his mettle by putting in a strong performance at Santiago Bernabeu.

That day, Barcelona did win through Eder Militao’s own goal but one cannot take away the fact that their defensive display was almost perfect.

All this means the most logical thing for Xavi is to offer continuity to the trio of Alonso, Kounde and Araujo with a bit of shuffling. This is needed mostly because whenever played on the right against Madrid, Araujo has gotten the better of Vinicius Jr.

The only defensive position that remains uncertain for now is the left-back spot. Will Xavi bring Alejandro Balde back into the fold or will he continue with the expertise of Jordi Alba? It remains to be seen.