Luka Modrić
Real Madrid Cruise to 5-0 Victory Over Deportiva Minera in Copa del Rey
Real Madrid cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over fourth-tier Club Deportiva Minera in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 match on January 6, 2025, at Estadio Cartagonova. The win secures Los Blancos a spot in the last 16 of the competition, showcasing their depth and talent even with a rotated squad.
Match Summary
Federico Valverde opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 5th minute with an impressive volley from the right side of the six-yard box. Eduardo Camavinga doubled the lead just eight minutes later, heading home a cross from Fran García. Arda Güler, the standout performer of the match, extended the advantage with a deflected finish before the half-hour mark.
In the second half, Luka Modric added his name to the scoresheet in the 55th minute, scoring his first-ever Copa del Rey goal with a superb finish into the far right corner after a clever combination with Brahim Díaz. Güler sealed the win with his second goal of the night two minutes from time, side-footing into an open net to cap off a flowing team move.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Deportiva Minera | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 24% | 76% |
| Shots | 3 | 18 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 8 |
| Goals | 0 | 5 |
| Fouls | 12 | 7 |
| Corners | 2 | 6 |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
Goals Scorers:
- Federico Valverde (5′)
- Eduardo Camavinga (13′)
- Arda Güler (28′, 88′)
- Luka Modric (55′)
Notable Performances
Arda Güler was the star of the show, scoring a brace and consistently threatening the Minera defense. His performance earned high praise from fans and analysts alike, with some suggesting he deserved a perfect 10 rating.
Luka Modric also impressed, not only scoring his first Copa del Rey goal but also controlling the midfield alongside Güler. Federico Valverde’s stamina and overall play were also highlighted as exceptional.
Endrick, despite not scoring, showed promise with good link-up play and several attempts on goal. His efforts were praised by fans, who noted that he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet due to some impressive saves from Minera’s goalkeeper and what some perceived as selfish play from teammates.
Goalkeeper Heroics
Despite conceding five goals, Deportiva Minera’s goalkeeper Fran Martinez put in a commendable performance, making several crucial saves to deny Real Madrid players like Valverde, Kylian Mbappé, and Endrick. His efforts kept the scoreline from being even more lopsided.
Tactical Approach
Carlo Ancelotti rotated his squad, giving opportunities to younger players and those who have had limited playing time. This strategy not only rested key players but also allowed fringe players to gain valuable match experience.
The introduction of stars like Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé in the second half, despite the comfortable lead, demonstrated Real Madrid’s depth and their desire to give Minera fans a chance to see these top players in action.
Looking Ahead
This convincing win puts Real Madrid in a strong position as they advance in the Copa del Rey. The draw for the Round of 16 is scheduled for January 8, 2025, at 8:00 am EST, with Real Madrid joining other La Liga giants like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid currently lead La Liga with 43 points, two clear of Atletico Madrid, showing their strong form across all competitions. As they continue their campaign on multiple fronts, this dominant cup performance serves as a reminder of the club’s depth and title aspirations for the 2024-2025 season.