Real Madrid displayed their formidable prowess on the pitch as they cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Deportivo Minera during the Copa del Rey Round of 32 on January 6, 2025. The match held at the Estadio Cartagonova, the home grounds of FC Cartagena, saw Los Blancos advance to the next round with ease.
It took just five minutes for the European champions to find the back of the net, with Federico Valverde delivering the first blow, capitalizing on defensive errors from the fourth-tier Minera. Following Valverde’s opener, Eduardo Camavinga doubled the lead with a well-placed header just eight minutes later. The first half saw another goal from young sensation Arda Güler, whose strike found its way through after taking a deflection, which wrong-footed the Minera goalkeeper.
The second half saw no signs of slowing down from Real Madrid, as Luka Modric, showcasing his veteran experience, scored his first Copa del Rey goal, extending the lead to 4-0. Wrapping up the night, Güler completed his brace with another neat finish, marking the end of what can only be described as a masterclass performance from the team.
Impressively, the victory could have been much worse for Deportivo Minera, had it not been for their goalkeeper, Fran Martínez. The local keeper put on quite the show, making 17 incredible saves according to Sofascore statistics, earning him well-deserved recognition for his efforts.
Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded what appeared to be a second-string side against Minera, yet the team operated like a well-oiled machine, showcasing depth and talent across the board. The youngsters, particularly Güler, who scored twice, left fans buzzing with excitement about their development and future potential. Reports detail how Güler also registered three dribbles and completed 61 passes, providing insight not just to his goal-scoring ability but also his overall influence on the game.
Valverde and Camavinga both demonstrated why they are mainstays on the squad, with Valverde contributing not only with his goal but also with key assists and Camavinga controlling the midfield significantly. The contributions did not stop there, as legends like Modric also stepped up when it mattered.
This emphatic win sets the stage for Real Madrid to turn their attention to the Supercopa de España, where they are scheduled to face RCD Mallorca on January 9. The upcoming match carries the significance of competition at the highest level, promising to test the Merengues as they look to build momentum following this comfortable cup victory.
Overall, the 5-0 result against Deportivo Minera reflects the strength and depth of the Real Madrid lineup, showcasing their ability to perform at top levels regardless of the opponent. Fans are eager to see if this form can translate to more success as the tournament progresses, emphasizing their status as one of the leading clubs both domestically and internationally.
With Güler's emergence and the consistent performances from veterans, Real Madrid is perhaps setting itself up well for not just the current cup competitions but also for the rest of the season.