Real Madrid is set to face Deportivo Minera at the Estadio Municipal Ángel Celdrán on January 6, 2024, as they continue their quest for Copa del Rey glory. The reigning champions aim to book their place in the last 16 of the tournament against the fourth-tier side.
After overcoming Valencia 2-1 in their latest La Liga outing, Los Blancos are brimming with confidence. Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham turned out to be key players against Valencia, both contributing significantly to the win, though Vinícius Junior's suspension due to his red card looms large as Madrid prepares for this clash.
On the other end, Deportivo Minera enters this match with hopes high after causing one of the tournament's upsets by defeating La Liga's Alaves through penalties to reach this round—a matchup they had started with great anticipation.
This meeting marks the first-ever competitive encounter between the two teams. Real Madrid's pedigree shines through as they’ve clinched the Copa del Rey title 20 times—more than any other club—and are determined to defend their crown after last year's disappointing exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Deportivo Minera, who are reveling in their moment under the spotlight, hopes to pull off another surprising result.
Deportivo Minera has struggled of late, winless since their monumental victory over Alaves, having suffered defeats with no goals scored. Entering this round with nothing to lose, they’ll lean heavily on their standout players like Omar Perdomo and Pipo, who have both shown solid form throughout the season. Perdomo, with five goals, and Pipo, contributing both goals and assists, are expected to spearhead the attack against the formidable Madrid defense.
Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, will be fielding some alternative lineups due to injuries and suspensions. Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba are sidelined, and with Vinícius Jr. out due to disciplinary reasons, this leaves Madrid with some gaps to fill. Despite this, the squad remains strong with players like Jude Bellingham, who has been instrumental lately, and he could be the catalyst for another emphatic victory.
Pre-match predictions see Real Madrid as the overwhelming favorites, with odds heavily favoring them at -1000 against Minera’s +2200. Experts are anticipating the match to favorLos Blancos by several goals, with many betting tips underlining their attacking prowess.
Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. ET on Monday, January 6, and viewers can catch the action live on ESPN+. The anticipated match not only offers real stakes for Deportivo Minera, but also provides Real Madrid with the opportunity to maintain their momentum and control on the field moving forward.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching how the match progresses. Will Deportivo Minera manage to cause another upset, or will Real Madrid steamroll their way through with another solid performance? One thing is certain: the Copa del Rey never fails to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.