Real Madrid Dominates Deportiva Minera in Copa del Rey Clash

In an impressive display of skill and strategy, Real Madrid triumphed over Deportiva Minera with a resounding 5-0 victory in the Copa del Rey Round of 32, held on January 6, 2025, at the Estadio Municipal Cartagonova. The match saw numerous lineup changes from manager Carlo Ancelotti, demonstrating his team’s depth and versatility.

Match Highlights

The match began tightly, but Real Madrid quickly took control, showcasing their status as favorites in the tournament. Here are some key highlights:

• Goals Scored: Real Madrid saw contributions from multiple players, leading to a decisive five-goal spread. The standout of the night was Kylian Mbappé, who netted a brace, solidifying his position as a critical player for the team.
• Defensive Heroics: On the other side, Deportiva Minera’s goalkeeper, Fran Martínez, emerged as a highlight for his team, making an impressive 17 saves despite the heavy defeat. His performance highlighted the resilience of the lower-division side against a formidable opponent.

Lineups and Tactical Changes

Real Madrid’s squad featured notable changes, with several key players resting ahead of upcoming matches. Here’s a snapshot of the lineups:

• Real Madrid: Included new faces like Lucas Vázquez, Chema Andrés, and star players Vinícius Júnior and Dani Ceballos who stepped in to ensure the team's flexibility and effectiveness.
• Deportiva Minera: The eighth-place team in Group 4 of the non-professional leagues, fielded a mix of experienced players and youth, looking to create an upset against the Merengues.

How They Got Here

Both teams had successful runs leading up to this clash.

• Real Madrid’s Path: They advanced in the Copa del Rey by comfortably eliminating Tudelano with a score of 0-5, which set the stage for a confident performance against Minera.
• Deportiva Minera’s Journey: After navigating through earlier rounds, including a penalty shootout victory against Deportivo Alavés, Minera entered this match with hopes of an upset but faced the undeniable strength of Real Madrid.

Where to Watch

Fans eager to catch all the action could do so through several broadcasting options, with ESPN+ and various other platforms providing live coverage. This match garnered considerable interest due to Real Madrid's rich history in the Copa del Rey, making their matchup with Deportiva Minera particularly noteworthy as it marked the first encounter since Minera's founding in 1949.

Conclusion

This match reaffirmed Real Madrid's dominance in Spanish football, particularly in knockout tournaments. With a 5-0 victory, they not only advanced to the next round of the Copa del Rey but also sent a statement to their future opponents. As they move forward, the combination of youth and experience under Ancelotti’s guidance will undoubtedly keep them a formidable presence in the tournament.

Upcoming Matches: As Real Madrid looks ahead, they will need to maintain their focus and performance to navigate through the later stages of the Copa del Rey and defend their title.