'I had to change him': Ancelotti reveals Raul Asencio played Villarreal game with injury

"It's an absurd schedule," Carlo Ancelotti told Real Madrid TV.

"I had to change Raul Asencio due to a calf strain. Rüdiger was rested because he hadn't recovered [from the Atletico game].

"It was an exercise in survival. We have to thank the players," Ancelotti adds.

Asencio was once again crucial to Real Madrid's 2-1 win against Villarreal, helping the team overcome a hostile atmosphere while being fatigued.

The young defender will be hoping to recover quickly enough to make his debut for Spain during the international break.

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