* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.
Are you ready for an exciting encounter in the Copa del Rey? This Monday, Real Madrid faces Deportivo Minera, as Carlo Ancelotti gears up to lead his team into the knockout stages of the prestigious cup. With a history of dominance in this competition, Real Madrid aims to secure their place in the Round of 16, but they'll have to navigate through a surprising opponent in Minera.
The match is set to take place at the Estadio Municipal Angel Celdran in Murcia, where Los Blancos will be fielding a significantly altered lineup compared to their regular La Liga starters. With a busy schedule ahead—featuring the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against RCD Mallorca just days after—Ancelotti is making strategic decisions to ensure player fitness and use the opportunity to give debuts to some of his younger talents.
One of the most talked-about changes is the absence of key players like Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger, who will not make the trip. This allows young stars like Raul Asencio and others to make their mark in a high-stakes match. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of this cup, stating, "We enter the Copa del Rey with the same enthusiasm as always because it is an important competition that has given us happiness in recent years."
Match Preview: Real Madrid vs. Deportivo Minera
Real Madrid is known for their star-studded roster and their historical success in the Copa del Rey, having won the trophy 20 times, with their latest victory coming in 2023. However, they are looking to bounce back after a disappointing exit last year to their local rivals, Atletico Madrid. This match against Deportivo Minera presents a great opportunity to show their dominance.
On the other hand, Deportivo Minera is coming into this game with momentum after pulling off an upset victory against Alaves to reach this stage of the competition. They bring an underdog spirit to this match and will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Madrid giants. Despite struggling in their own league recently, this is their chance to shine on a larger stage.
Starting Lineups
Here’s how both teams are expected to line up:
- Real Madrid: Lunin; Asencio, Aguado, Garcia; Camavinga, Valverde, Modric; Brahim, Guler, Endrick.
- Deportivo Minera: Martinez; Mas, Monty, Vera, Heredero; Pujante, Petcoff, Britos, Pipo; Perdomo, Ferron.
Where to Watch
Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and fans can watch the live stream on ESPN+. With odds heavily favoring Real Madrid at -1000, expectations are high for a decisive victory.
As both teams prepare for this battle, the intrigue builds around how Madrid’s young players will perform under the bright lights, and whether Deportivo Minera can pull off another upset. Fans worldwide will be glued to their screens, ready to witness the drama unfold, making this match a must-watch in the Copa del Rey.
Will Real Madrid trample over the underdogs, or can Deportivo Minera become giant slayers yet again? Tune in to find out!
* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.