Three talking points ahead of Deportiva Minera vs Real Madrid | Copa del Rey | OneFootball

Days after a turbulent win over Valencia at Mestalla, Real Madrid travel to the Estadio Angel Celdran to take on Deportiva Minera in their first game of the Copa del Rey.

Los Blancos do not boast of the best record in the Spanish Cup historically and have at times come up short given the direct knockout format and their failure to prioritise the event.

As has been the case in recent years, however, the Merengues have left no competition ignored and they will thus look to go all the way in the Cup this time around.

Their opponents on the night, Deportiva Minera, coached by Jose Perez Veiga, are in the fourth division of Spanish football and are winless in their last five games across all competitions. Furthermore, they have just one win in their last nine games.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Deportiva Minera vs Real Madrid.

Treading with caution

Year after year, the Copa del Rey shows exactly why it is one of the most difficult competitions on the calendar given its interesting format.

It is well known at this point that the Spanish Cup sees teams from all divisions in Spain compete for the ultimate prize. The competition, however, hands the lower-ranked team the home advantage which favours them well in a one-off tie.

Ever since the Copa del Rey shifted to the direct knockout format, upsets have become a constant feature year after year and this year has been no different. After all, the lower-rated teams have nothing to lose and all the support they can ask for.

So far this season, Las Palmas, Real Valladolid, Sevilla and Mallorca have already bid the competition adieu after facing elimination in the Round of 32. Needless to say, it will not be easy for Real Madrid as well.

Deportiva Minera may well be a fourth-division side, but that limitation seldom plays a role in the Copa del Rey.

Real Madrid must thus look to grind out a hard-fought win later tonight for there is a lot riding on the game. One wrong step, after all, is enough to end their campaign in the competition.

Rotations in balance

Set for a start. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The early rounds of the Copa del Rey usually see the management prefer rotations to hand fringe stars some much-needed minutes and an opportunity to showcase their talent.

One can expect the same tradition to continue tonight as there will likely be many changes in the lineup right from in goal. Concurrently, however, Carlo Ancelotti must ensure the team has a fair share of leaders on the field as well.

Andriy Lunin, who stepped up for Real Madrid last season, is set to start in goal in place of Thibaut Courtois.

Raul Asencio is expected to start in central defence for the Merengues and it will be interesting to see who partners him given that Antonio Rudiger has been rested.

Arda Guler is said to have a guaranteed starting spot against Minera and will be in the midfield alongside Eduardo Camavinga and potentially Luka Modric.

Brahim Diaz, Endrick and Rodrygo are expected to complete the lineup in the final third, for the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe are better rested given the schedule ahead.

A big game for two players

Carlo Ancelotti has been largely fair with his squad rotation this season but there are a few players in the dressing room who have every right to feel hard done by the manager’s choices.

Raul Asencio, for starters, is one who has been ousted from the dynamics for no fault of his in recent weeks.

The youngster was a superb stand-in for Eder Militao after the Brazilian’s injury but the manager opted to prioritise Aurelien Tchouameni over him after the Frenchman’s return from injury, perhaps for the name-value.

Guaranteed a start tonight, Asencio thus has a massive opportunity to prove his worth to the manager once again and stake claim on more regular playing time going ahead this season.

The second name who has been largely sidelined this season but will feature tonight is the team’s new signing Endrick.

Having arrived at the club in the summer, the Brazilian star has only made 12 appearances in La Liga and averages 10 minutes per game. His situation in the UEFA Champions League is not much better.

It will thus be a momentous opportunity for the youngster tonight if he receives any minutes, for a strong showing in the Copa del Rey could further his chances as a regular participant in the coming months.