:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46160438/GettyImages-464137250.0.jpg)
The most strange thing about Real Madrid's lineup was seeing that Raphael Varane won't even be on the bench against Málaga. With Pepe and Ramos starting, it would make sense to have the French defender as a potential reserve, but Ancelotti decided otherwise.
Club sources confirmed that Varane is not injured and his presence on Wednesday's decisive clash against Atlético de Madrid is out of question.
REPORT | Varane out is a technical decision, he is fine and will rest ahead of Wednesday's game against Atlético. No injury whatsoever.
— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) April 18, 2015
That way, Varane will compete with Pepe for a starting spot against Atlético de Madrid. Pepe will likely be facing a final exam today, because Varane completed a brilliant performance on the first leg and it would be a controversial decision to keep him out of the team at the Bernabéu. Ancelotti has to make some important decisions.