Deportivo Minerva vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s 2024/25 Copa del Rey campaign kicks off at Estadio Municipal Cartagonova against lower-league Deportivo Minerva. 

Fourth-tier CD Minera punched above their weight to set up this tie, beating La Liga outfit Deportivo Alaves in the last Copa del Rey round after a penalty shootout following a comprehensive 5-0 victory against Tudelano to start the competition. However, their form has since descended into chaos, with head coach Popi overseeing two draws and a loss in three matches ahead of this showdown. With Minera failing to find the net twice in that sequence, it stands to reason they’ll rely on their defense to upset the apple cart. Adding to this sentiment, the hosts haven’t scored more than one goal in five of their last six home outings (W1, D2, L2) but did keep two clean sheets in the most recent four. 

Fresh off a come-from-behind 2-1 La Liga win at Valencia, Real Madrid embark on their quest to lift their 21st Copa del Rey title, looking to extend a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (W5, D1). Carlo Ancelotti’s men have recently been ruthless in front of goal, scoring at least three in five consecutive matches before the abovementioned comeback at Mestalla. However, defensive solidity has emerged as a glaring issue, with ‘Los Merengues’ conceding multiple goals in three of those six matches whilst only keeping two clean sheets. Luckily, they have the necessary firepower to undo any potential damage at the back, having netted precisely three goals in three of their last four away games across all competitions (W3, D1) despite failing to get on the scoresheet inside the opening 30 minutes of three occasions.