
It’s fair to say that Real Madrid supporters won’t ever want to see the center back partnership of Álvaro Carreras and Raúl Asencio again.
Injuries to Xabi Alonso’s four frontline defenders forced improvisation, and the Madrid boss opted to partner tall left back Carreras with the young Asencio, who enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024–25 but is yet to impress under new management.