Real Madrid start 2025 with a busy schedule. After a narrow 1-2 win at Valencia in La Liga, the Merengues follow up with a King’s Cup tie against fourth-tier Deportiva Minera. This Monday evening, at 18:00 GMT, Carlo Ancelotti and his players take on this modest team in an intimate stadium, the Estadio Municipal Cartagonova (14,000 seats). Here is the official line-up chosen by Ancelotti for this match.
Carlo Ancelotti has decided to mix his team for this King’s Cup match. Faced with a fourth-division opponent, the Italian coach has opted to give some substitutes some game time while retaining a number of key players to ensure a comfortable passage to the next round.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper, who usually comes on for Thibaut Courtois, will have the opportunity to shine. Lunin has already shown that he can be reliable when called upon. Ancelotti has also opted for an atypical defence. Young Lorenzo, a product of the youth academy, will get his chance at right-back. Raul Asencio is repositioned in central defence alongside Diego Aguado. Fran García, the left-back, completes this experimental defence.
The midfield is a blend of youth and experience. Eduardo Camavinga makes his debut and will bring his power and versatility alongside Valverde and Modric. Arda Güler will also have the chance to showcase his talent. In attack, Brahim Diaz and Endrick will form the attacking duo.
Official Real Madrid line-up
Goalkeeper: Lunin
Defence: Lorenzo, Asencio, Aguado, Garcia
Midfield: Camavinga, Modric, Arda Guler, Valverde
Attack: Brahim Diaz, Endrick
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 6, 2025
🆚 @DeportivaMinera#LaCopaMola | @UnicajaBanco pic.twitter.com/RB8Tem1Stb
A match not to be underestimated
Despite Deportiva Minera’s poor form, Carlo Ancelotti has stressed the importance of this match. The King’s Cup is a prized competition for Real Madrid, and the Merengues do not want to make the mistake of underestimating their opponents. Matches against teams from lower divisions are often tricky, and Ancelotti has reminded his players of the need for concentration and respect for their opponents.
Deportiva Minera, for their part, are dreaming of an achievement. The fourth division players know they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The stadium will be full and the atmosphere promises to be electric. The local fans are hoping for a magical moment, like the one Alcorcón experienced in 2009, when the small club knocked out Real Madrid.
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