In a commanding display of football prowess, Real Madrid soared into the Copa del Rey last 16 with a resounding 5-0 victory over fourth-tier side Deportivo Minera on Monday. The Spanish champions demonstrated their depth and talent, even as Coach Carlo Ancelotti rested several key players ahead of the upcoming Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Federico Valverde opened the scoring early, volleying home at the back post to set the tone for the match. Just 13 minutes in, Eduardo Camavinga doubled the lead with a precise header, firmly establishing Madrid’s control. Young talent Arda Guler made his mark by cutting in from the right and scoring with the aid of a deflection, giving Los Blancos a comfortable three-goal advantage before halftime.
Despite the absence of stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, who only appeared as second-half substitutes, Real Madrid continued their offensive onslaught. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, 39, showcased his enduring skill with a neat curling effort to notch the fourth goal. In the final moments, Guler tapped in his second goal after a setup from Fran Garcia, capping off a stellar performance for the Turkish playmaker.
Brahim Diaz nearly added to the tally, hitting the post early in the second half, while promising forward Endrick came close to scoring as well. The victory not only highlights Real Madrid’s strength in depth but also sets a confident tone as they advance in the competition.
The Copa del Rey action continues, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also securing their spots in the next round over the weekend. Holders Athletic Bilbao faced a tougher challenge, scraping through on penalties against third-tier Logrones.
The draw for the last 16 is scheduled for Wednesday, with fixtures to be played between January 14th and 16th. As the tournament progresses, football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the upcoming clashes between Spain’s top teams.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
