"Criminal from Ancelotti", "Why is he benched" - Fans surprised by Real Madrid star's exclusion from XI for Atalanta clash

Fans on social media have expressed their surprise at Carlo Ancelotti's decision to exclude Raúl Asencio from Real Madrid's starting XI for their UEFA Champions League clash against Atalanta BC. The match is slated for Tuesday, December 10, at Gewiss Stadium.

Raúl Asencio has been impressive since his promotion to Real Madrid's first team in November due to the injury problems for the squad's central defenders.

Fans on social media have questioned head coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to start Aurélien Tchouaméni ahead of the Los Blancos academy graduate for their UEFA Champions League clash. The Frenchman returned from injury this month and has not been in the best form. Here are some of the reactions from X:

"Tchouameni over Asensio?????? This is so so criminal from Ancelloti, I hope he proves me wrong though"

Another added:

"Now why is Asenscio benched?"

"Where is Asencio man," chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"VINIIIIII but no Asencio WTF??"

Another tweeted:

"What??! What should Arda Güler do to convince you Anchellotti??? And where is Asencio??? This man is really ruin the team! Unacceptable XI"

"After all the hard work Asencio put in he got completely ignored just like that this manager is a f*cking scrub." posted another.

One user wrote:

"Where is Asencio"

While another wrote:

"Ancelotti will succeed in k!lling Asencio’s confidence and that will be the end. Talent wasted."

Raúl Asencio has started four out of the six matches he has featured in for Los Blancos' first team while contributing to four clean sheets and providing one assist this season.

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Real Madrid interested in signing AC Milan's Theo Hernandez - Reports

Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a move for AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez. The 27-year-old's current contract with the Rossoneri is valid until the summer of 2026.

Theo Hernandez is on Los Blancos' transfer target list as a potential option if their primary target, Alphonso Davies, extends his contract at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants want to retain the 24-year-old defender, whose current contract there is set to expire next summer, as per SPORT (via Madrid Universal).

According to Calciomercato (via Madrid Universal), Los Blancos are keeping track of Theo Hernandez as a potential signing and the Frenchman might be available on a cut-price deal in the summer.

Theo Hernandez has contributed to five clean sheets while recording two goals and two assists in 17 appearances across competitions for AC Milan this season. Real Madrid are expected to face competition in their pursuit to sign the defender, who is also reportedly wanted by Manchester United.

It remains to be seen if AC Milan decide to part ways with Theo Hernandez, who is reportedly valued at around €50 million.