Xabi Alonso is still the preferred option in the offices of Santiago Bernabéu to occupy the Whites’ bench next season, but his arrival is by no means guaranteed if the Italian coach is dispensed with.

It seems that the main doubt for Carlo Ancelotti in the match against Arsenal is whether to field Lucas Vázquez or Dani Ceballos, which would determine Valverde’s position on the pitch, which would be ...