The players for Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid turned in an outstanding performance in their resounding 3-0 victory over Girona. It was a fantastic evening for Los Blancos because the outcome saw them move up to the top of La Liga. Well, nearly.

The only flaw was that captain Nacho Fernandez received a red card. The veteran was given a daring task on Portu, one about which he has no complaints. He was first booked, but VAR increased the penalty from yellow to red.

Nacho’s rash choice has put Ancelotti in a difficult situation. Eder Militao is already sidelined due to injury, and David Alaba just experienced a muscle problem. Since Nacho is now probably going to be suspended for at least two games, Antonio Rudiger is the sole senior center-back for Real Madrid.

Ancelotti has previously discussed employing out-of-position players in the center of defense, mentioning Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy as potential candidates. Marvel, a 20-year-old who has recently trained with the first squad, is another player he has.

By the time Real Madrid takes on Osasuna the following weekend, Ancelotti will need to find a solution to this conundrum. Alaba might have returned by then, but it doesn’t seem likely right now.