Copa del Rey Clash: Deportiva Minera vs. Real Madrid Overview

Real Madrid is set to face fourth-tier Deportiva Minera on January 6, 2025, in an exciting encounter of the Copa del Rey. The La Liga giants aim to secure their place in the round of 16 against a lower-league side, a match that serves as a prelude to their next big challenge, the Supercopa de España, taking place shortly in Saudi Arabia.

Match Details

• Fixture: Deportiva Minera vs. Real Madrid
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM local time (1:00 PM ET)
• Location: Estadio Cartagonova, Cartagena, Spain

This matchup promises to be both thrilling and unpredictable, with different facets worth exploring.

Previous Performances

Deportiva Minera has shown resilience in their recent Copa del Rey matches. Heading into this clash, they defeated Alaves in a thrilling second-round shootout. Their president has even reduced ticket prices to boost attendance, creating a vibrant atmosphere as they face one of the most storied clubs in football.

Conversely, Real Madrid enters this competition with momentum, coming off a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Valencia. Bellingham’s last-minute winner showcased their fighting spirit, a quality they will need against any opponent.

How to Watch

For viewers in the U.S., this Copa del Rey match will be exclusively available for streaming on ESPN+, as there is no live TV broadcast. A promotional deal offers 12 months of ESPN+ for the price of 9 for new subscribers, making this an opportune chance to catch the game and enjoy a variety of sports content.

Lineups and Team News

Both teams are experiencing lineup changes, which can significantly influence the match outcome.

Deportiva Minera's Predicted XI (4-4-2 Formation)

• Goalkeeper: Pujante
• Defenders: Heredero, Romero, Garcia
• Midfielders: Britos, Petcoff, Beltran
• Forwards: Perdomo, Ferron

Deportiva Minera will be without their suspended player, Morante Bernal, as they aim for a strong performance against their prestigious opponents.

Real Madrid's Predicted XI (4-2-3-1 Formation)

• Goalkeeper: Lunin
• Defenders: Lorenzo Aguado, Asencio, Diego Aguado, Fran Garcia
• Midfielders: Valverde, Modric, Camavinga
• Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Arda Gler, Endrick

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has opted for a rotation strategy, allowing key players like Courtois, Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. to rest. This cautious approach is reminiscent of previous surprises in the tournament, such as Real Madrid's unexpected loss to Alcoyano in 2021.

Match Prediction

While reality dictates that Deportivo Minera should be enthusiastic about their underdog status, predicting a significant upset could be overly optimistic. With a heavily rotated squad, Real Madrid still possesses a wealth of talent, making them favorites to dominate the encounter.

Prediction: Deportiva Minera 0 - 4 Real Madrid

Upcoming Copa del Rey Fixtures

To stay tuned for more Copa del Rey action, here’s a look at the upcoming fixtures for this week:

• Friday, January 3:
  • Granada vs. Getafe at 1:00 PM
  • Pontevedra vs. Mallorca at 1:00 PM
  • Racing de Ferrol vs. Rayo Vallecano at 1:00 PM
• Saturday, January 4:
  • Huesca vs. Real Betis at 9:30 AM
  • Tenerife vs. Osasuna at 10:30 AM
  • Almeria vs. Sevilla at 11:30 PM
  • Barbastro vs. Barcelona at 1:00 PM
  • Marbella vs. Atletico Madrid at 3:30 PM
  • UD Logrones vs. Athletic Club at 3:30 PM
• Sunday, January 5:
  • Elche vs. Las Palmas at 6:00 AM
• Monday, January 6:
  • Deportiva Minera vs. Real Madrid at 1:00 PM
• Tuesday, January 7:
  • Eldense vs. Valencia at 3:00 PM

This Copa del Rey match is anticipated as a chance for both teams to showcase their skills and engage fans in what should be a thrilling night of football. Don’t miss out on the action!