Real Madrid is poised to kick off its Copa del Rey campaign with high hopes after demonstrating strong performance recently, including topping La Liga. The team, under the guidance of coach Carlo Ancelotti, is set to face Deportivo Minera on Monday at the Cartagonova Stadium.
The match, taking place at 19:00 Spain time (03:00 Japan time on Tuesday), marks the first official meeting between these two teams. Real Madrid enters this one-off knockout stage match coming off a recent commanding victory against Valencia. With momentum on their side and their eyes set on advancing to the Round of 16, Ancelotti’s men are striving to continue building on their success.
"Cup competitions are important tournaments, and we approach this one with enthusiasm," Ancelotti shared during the pre-match press conference. This reflects the team's mindset as they prepare for this significant fixture.
The Copa del Rey offers not just another title chase for Real Madrid but also serves as preparation for their upcoming fixtures, including the Supercopa de España and more La Liga challenges. January shapes up to be hectic, consisting of four tournaments. "This game will be the second of two tough matches for us as we compete across four tournaments this January," added Ancelotti.
Deportivo Minera, who reached this stage after winning through penalties against Alaves, currently sits eighth in the Spanish Segunda División, demonstrating resilience. The team played impressively to overcome tougher competition leading up to this encounter, which makes them no pushovers for the giants of Madrid.
Real Madrid’s recent form boasts impressive results, having maintained their position at the top of La Liga with 43 points from 19 matches, recording 13 wins, four draws, and only two losses. Their attacking prowess has been particularly noteworthy, scoring 21 goals over the last eight matches. "It will be key for our attack, which has scored 21 goals in the last eight matches, to continue this good form," Ancelotti explained, underscoring their focus on maintaining scoring momentum as they push for success across multiple competitions.
The anticipation for this Copa del Rey match is palpable among fans and players alike, as Real Madrid looks to cement its place not only as the king of La Liga but also as dominant contenders for the Copa del Rey title. On the horizon, they eye the Supercopa semifinal and their trend of success.
Many players, including the recently acquired Kylian Mbappe from PSG, have ignited old spirits within the club after joining. Although he faced initial criticism for not meeting performance expectations, Mbappe has rebounded to show flashes of brilliance, netting five goals and delivering two assists throughout the course of December. His contribution has been integral to Real Madrid’s resurgence at the top of the table.
Reflecting on the last month, Mbappe stated, "December was amazing for both me and the team. We won titles, beat many teams, and secured key Champions League victories." This sentiment resonates with Madridistas who cherish the club's storied history and the pursuit of more silverware.
While facing challenges from all fronts this month, Real Madrid remains focused on their winning mentality. The team is determined not only to continue winning but also to adapt and respond to every challenge presented to them. "We must win everything we compete for, and we are ready to compete," Mbappe emphasized, reinforcing the club’s winning ethos.
With so much at stake, the clash against Deportivo Minera is poised to be yet another chapter of thrilling football etched within the rich heritage of Copa del Rey history as Real Madrid pushes forward with determination and skill.