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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti faced a very difficult task ahead of the El Clasico on Sunday, which was choosing between Rodrygo and Federico Valverde in the starting XI.

Ancelotti then opted to start with Valverde with Rodrygo coming on as a substitute. Both players responded by scoring in the 3-1 victory over Barcelona.

According to Defensa Central, Ancelotti, in a fatherly tone, apologised to Rodrygo for not starting him against Barcelona on Sunday.

Ancelotti acknowledged the Brazilian forward deserved to start against Barcelona but made Rodrygo understand he had to make a difficult decision for the benefit of the team.

This season, Rodrygo played 740 minutes in 12 matches between all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists.