Real Madrid thrash Deportiva Minera 5-0 to reach Copa del Rey last 16
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Real Madrid's Turkish midfielder Arda Guler scored a double to help give his team an emphatic victory.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
MADRID – Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised an overall “disciplined” performance from his side, as they booked their place in the Copa del Rey last 16 following an emphatic 5-0 win at fourth-tier Deportiva Minera on Jan 6, with attacker Arda Guler scoring a superb double.
“We played well, we showed great commitment and the right attitude,” the Italian said.
“It was a good performance and there were minutes for those who don’t get so much game time. We have more quality than our opponents, but we showed the same attitude and motivation levels to put us on the right track early on.”
Real took an early lead when Federico Valverde volleyed home in impressive style within five minutes.
Eduardo Camavinga doubled the lead just eight minutes later with a bullet header, while Guler added a third goal before the half-hour mark that made it nearly impossible for the home side to fight back.
“I’m happy to contribute goals to the team but my task is different, to help in the best possible way, defending and helping out,” said Valverde after the match.
“I’m glad that the coach keeps taking me into account in every game, that he has confidence in me and so even if I’m tired, I’m always happy.”
The hosts came closest to scoring when striker Omar Perdomo unleashed a long-range effort that flew just wide of Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s right-hand post.
Luka Modric’s brilliant finish into the far corner 10 minutes after the break, following clever link-up with Brahim Diaz, brought the crowd at Estadio Cartagonova to their feet in a festive atmosphere, even though their team were trailing.
“(Luka) is a gift for football and even more for those who can enjoy it up close,” Ancelotti added.
“The fans, the players, the coach... for me, it’s a great gift. The way he prepares for this kind of match, as if it was a final. It’s a very important example for our youngsters. The atmosphere was really good for the players. They stayed with the fans to sign shirts and that made it a fantastic match.”
Guler sealed the win with his second goal of the night two minutes from time.
Despite conceding five goals, Minera goalkeeper Fran Martinez saved several good shots, including efforts from Valverde and Kylian Mbappe.
Minera are eighth in Group IV of the Segunda Federacion. Real lead the top-tier La Liga on 43 points, two clear of local rivals Atletico Madrid. REUTERS
