Copa del Rey brought an immediate reaction by the Galacticos. Real Madrid got the better of Alcoyano at El Collao to clinch their place in the Copa del Rey last 16 after delivering a disciplined display which saw them go into half-time with a lead thanks to Militão's header. The hosts levelled after the break but goals from Asensio and José Juan, who turned into his own net following a tussle with Isco, made sure of a spot in the next round.
“We're starting out in what is a very important competition for us and our goal is to win it", explained Ancelotti in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Copa opener. And the team really delivered. They ensured there would be no upset this evening, showing impressive discipline throughout. Nonetheless, Alcoyano were the first to threaten, when Fran Miranda's shot from inside the area just four minutes in was cleared off the line by the head of Camavinga.
There was then little action of note until Militão opened the scoring with 39 minutes on the clock. Both teams came closest with efforts from distance, first when Carlos Blancos tried his luck on 35’, before Rodrygo responded in kind two minutes later. Indeed, it was the Brazilian who whipped in the resulting corner, finding his compatriot who had pulled away from his marker to head past goalkeeper José Juan.
Our boys looked far more solid after the restart as the Whites bossed possession and were barely made to break sweat defensively. Indeed, the madridistas came close to doubling the advantage through two long-range strikes from Alaba on 51’ and 64’. However, the whole complexion of the game changed just two minutes later, when Alcoyano restored parity following a solo run and finish from Dani Vega that levelled up the tie. However, Ancelotti’s charges hit back and regained the lead in the 77th minute.
Eden Hazard laid the ball off to Asensio, whose effort from the edge of the area ended up in the back of the net after a deflection off Raúl altered the course of his shot. Barely a minute later, Isco brought the ball under his spell inside the box and in a coming together with the diminutive midfielder, José Juan contrived to turn the ball into his own net. The visitors now led 3-1 and the tie was firmly beyond Alcoyano’s reach. Real Madrid now await to find out their fate in Friday’s last-16 draw.
Ancelotti’s words after the match:
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at El Collao to discuss Real Madrid's qualification for the Copa del Rey last 16. He said: “I think we saw a different game to what we're used to playing. We prepared for a fixture full of aerial duels, lots of set-pieces and long balls. We scored, fought hard and first and foremost, we delivered the performance we needed to qualify".
“They levelled through a moment of individual brilliance. Afterwards, we kept our heads and continued to play our game. This was just the way we needed to play, it was how we prepared for it and we won. Our holidays were over following the Getafe game. Quality doesn't mean so much in these kinds of games because this type of pitch doesn't allow for it", the boss added.
Praise for Lunin: “He put in a very decent, assured performance between the sticks, even if he did make the odd mistake with the ball at his feet. But I like a goalkeeper who does his job between the sticks. You can always adjust how he uses the ball and he'll improve in that regard as he gets more game time. Lunin has got the Copa del Rey and LaLiga is Courtois' territory”.
Hazard: “He needs to show greater confidence in one-on-one situations because he's got the quality to beat his man. He’ll gradually get back to his best and his fitness has improved from where it was a few months ago. Let's hope that he's soon back and performing to his best. Our flair players struggled more than the rest of them in this type of game. He kept going and even operated in the number-9 role. Isco also played there when he came on. I'm really happy for him. The whole team performed well and battled hard”.
Mariano’s injury: “He's picked up an injury to his right thigh and we’ll have to assess it in the coming days. Unfortunately, these things often happen in this period, which is a tough one”.
Player ratings:
Starting XI:
Andriy Lunin: 7.0
The Ukrainian’s first start since January of 2020 vs the same opponent. Showed some quick reflexes in the first half with good saves against Mahoud and Andy Escudero. Ancelotti mentioned the need to improve with his feet post-game, but otherwise delivered when called upon.
Nacho: 5.0
Slotted in at right back, but had a bit of a mismatch playing against the agile and quick Andy Escudero.
Eder Militao: 8.0
Broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, rising to meet a Rodrygo corner kick, after finding himself free in the box.
David Alaba: 7.5
Exemplified the attitude required for this match, took it just as seriously as a La Liga or UCL game. Had some tough battles with Mourad El Ghezouani, but managed to come out on top.
Marcelo: 4.0
A distant shadow of his former self. Failed to make any real impact on the match.
Casemiro: 4.5
As is often the case for the Brazilian, won the majority of his 50/50 duels in the middle of the park, but his passing left a lot to be desired. Without Kroos or Modric to help progress play and dictate the rhythm of the game, too much responsibility fell on Casemiro’s shoulders. He was turned inside and out on the goal scored by Cintas.
Fede Valverde: 5.0
Another performance from the Uruguayan where you are left wondering if he is playing within himself? Stuck to close to the right wing rather than staying central and never attempted any of his long carries with the ball or any daring passes.
Eduardo Camavinga: 7.0
Had a crucial headed clearance off the goal line in the early stages of the match. It was the 19-year-old Frenchman that carried the burden of providing an attacking threat from midfield. Had some good dribbling sequences that broke lines and freed space for Real Madrid’s attack in transition.
Rodrygo: 7.0
Fouled three times within the first six minutes of the match. Rodyrgo was the lone spark in the front three. Managed an assist after a curled in corner kick. His deliveries from set-pieces were important for Madrid.
Eden Hazard: 4.0
There was not enough in Hazard’s performance to come away feeling satisfied. The Belgian is taking minutes from other talented youngsters and his performances have yet to warrant those minutes.
Mariano: 4.0
Caught offside far too easily in the first half. Pulled up with a hamstring injury early in the second half.
The subs:
Marco Asensio: 7.0
Scored his 7th goal of the season with a fortunate deflection. Was involved in combining play from the right wing.
Isco: 7.0
Scored mere seconds after coming on with one of the most bizarre goals you will see this season. His technical skillset is a level above and that was evident even after just a few touches.
Toni Kroos: 6.0
Came on right after Madrid had scored the go-ahead goal and helped circulate the ball.
Dani Ceballos: N/A
Entered in the 86th minute for Rodrygo, but played as a central midfielder with Isco moving up to the right wing position.
Jesus Vallejo: N/A
Entered in the 86th minute for Alaba, but slotted over to right back with Nacho moving to left center back.
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