Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard won't be given the opportunity to become the Champions League's youngest-ever player against Schalke, as confirmed by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Odegaard will be 16 years and 75 days old when Madrid welcome the Gelsenkirchen club to the Bernabeu on Tuesday, 13 days younger than Celestine Babayaro, who set the record for the competition's youngest player in 1994-95.
Ancelotti confirmed he is putting business before records in his pre-match press conference, however, per Nicholas Rigg of AS:
Phil Kitromilides of Real Madrid TV provided extra detail:
Odegaard joined Madrid in January after a continental tug-of-war which also saw most of Europe's top clubs aim to secure his signature. The Norwegian has represented Madrid's Castilla side, but he is yet to nail down his role, per football writer Thore Haugstad, who believes the team is likely to fall short of promotion this campaign:
Madrid's seniors lead Schalke 2-0 heading into the Champions League second leg. However, the recent La Liga draw with Villarreal and defeat to Athletic Bilbao has seen Ancelotti's men give up the domestic lead to Barcelona, meaning no half-measures can be taken when Schalke visit.
Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC highlighted how the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale has been called into question by Madrid fans:
Bale hasn't netted or assisted in seven matches, per WhoScored.com. He has experienced jeers from the Madrid crowd in recent times, and in his pregame presser, Ancelotti suggested the player knows he needs to improve, per Corrigan:
The boss confirms none of his misfiring front three will sit out anytime soon, per Rigg:
Bale has proven himself an important player since moving to the Spanish capital, with goals in last season's Copa del Rey and Champions League finals ranking among his career highlights. The entire team is performing below expectations, but his world-record transfer fee always marks him for criticism.
Madrid haven't failed to score at home all season and can be expected to move beyond Schalke with little trouble. However, Ancelotti has proven he isn't willing to take any risks by overlooking Odegaard.
The crowd may be wishing to see their potential future star in action, but Ancelotti will aim to help his current crop find their form in the upcoming match.
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