On a breezy Monday evening, Real Madrid cruised into the Copa del Rey’s last 16, effortlessly outclassing fourth-tier Deportiva Minera with a resounding 5-0 triumph. As the match unfolded, it became clear that the illustrious Real Madrid had little to fear from their opponents, who barely registered a single shot on target while Madrid peppered the goal with 21 shots.
Carlo Ancelotti, the cerebral coach of Real Madrid, took the opportunity to shuffle his lineup, showcasing the depth and talent that Madrid is famous for. Despite these changes, the team orchestrated a commanding performance against their outmatched opponents.
Early tension evaporated when Federico Valverde seized a golden opportunity in the fifth minute. “A goal is the reward for keen observation,” some say, and Valverde proved it, pouncing on a flubbed clearance from Minera’s defense to bury the ball in the back of the net. A few moments later, Eduardo Camavinga soared to meet Fran Garcia’s cross, doubling the lead at the 13-minute mark. Garcia’s skillful maneuvering past two defenders was splendid to watch.
As the match progressed, Arda Guler added flair to the already potent performance. His 28th-minute strike, slightly redirected, bamboozled the home goalkeeper, Fran Martinez. “Sometimes, it’s the unexpected that topples giants,” quipped a seasoned fan in the stands.
At halftime, with a comfortable 3-0 lead, Real Madrid showed no sign of relenting. Enter Luka Modric—the Croatian maestro—who tucked away a neat pass from Brahim Diaz in style, notches adding a fourth just after the interval. Guler, not one to rest on his laurels, wrapped up the night with a second personal goal, sealing the fifth for his team as the clock wound down.
Next on Madrid’s agenda is a jaunt to Saudi Arabia come Thursday, where a duel with Mallorca in the Spanish Super Cup awaits. The allure of international competition calls, yet another chapter in the storied club’s history.
In the grand draw for the upcoming round, mighty names like FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao await, alongside other competitors: Real Betis, Osasuna, Real Sociedad, and more. Lurking in the wings are four lower-division squads—Almeria, Elche, Pontevedra, and Ourense—heroes of the underdog stories, having toppled top-tier foes to secure their places.
In other cup activities, Valencia’s clash against second-division Eldense marks the remaining fixture of the third round, adding suspense to this tournament’s ever-unfolding drama. As the day closes, the spirit of competition ignites, weaving dreams of glory and conquest on every team’s horizon.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
