Real Madrid puts 5 goals past Deportiva Minera in Copa Del Rey win

It was a beautiful and memorable Monday night for Real Madrid as they never even gave the potential for a Copa del Rey hiccup to unfold against Deportiva Minera following a comfortable win.

 Carlo Ancelotti will have been pleased with the chance to rest and rotate, although he only started two players not in the senior squad, as Lorenzo Aguado started at right-back, and 17-year-old Diego Aguado began in the center of defense, both making their debut.

Dani Ceballos gave Valverde a rare rest at that point, but it was midfield partner Luka Modric who looked fresh with his finish just before the hour mark. 

The Croatian put together some lovely interplay with Brahim Diaz before curling a shot into the corner. The Morocco international and Endrick Felipe forced some brilliant saves from Minera’s Fran Martinez but will have been wondering how he did not score before being taken off, as Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Lucas Vazquez were given the final half-hour. Another youngster, Chema Andres, also made his debut.

In the closing stages, Guler did add the icing on the cake for Ancelotti, grabbing a brace from a second Fran Garcia assist. He was sent through by Mbappe and put it on a plate for Guler, who won’t get many goals with his right.

It will be difficult for Ancelotti to take much from the match, but his side did get the job done early, in stark contrast to the first-half performance he held so much disdain for against Valencia. 

He also got through the game without injuries and with rotations, although Endrick’s lack of confidence will be a concern after he started his first game on October 2.

All attention will be turned to Thursday’s semifinal game against Mallorca in the Super Cup as Real Madrid hope to secure a place in the finals.