Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Deportiva Minera: Copa del Rey

On By Littum

Real Madrid kick off their 2024-25 Copa del Rey campaign against Deportiva Minera.

Of all the trophies in sport, the Copa del Rey remains a major challenge for Real Madrid. Over the past decade, Los Blancos have only topped the Copa del Rey twice. Since 2014, the Spanish giants have lifted the Champions League title three times as many times as they have won Spain’s oldest football competition.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are keen to make their mark on the competition this season, especially if they want to claim the club’s first ever continental treble. As one of the four teams participating in the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid received a bye until the Copa del Rey Round of 16, where they will play their first match against fourth-tier Deportiva Minera.

Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger are the only two first-team players not to make the trip, but Ancelotti will still rely on his bench players to get Real Madrid to the last 16.

This is what Real Madrid’s XI could look like against Deportiva Minera on January 6.

JOIN THE SI SOCCER REAL MADRID WHATSAPP COMMUNITY – GET ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND ANALYSIS DIRECT TO YOUR PHONE

GK: Andriy Lunin-The Ukrainian goalkeeper is ready to make his first start since November 9.

RB: Lorenzo Aguado-Real Madrid’s injury woes, particularly at the right-back position, leave the door open for the Real Madrid Castilla defender to make his first-team debut.

CB: Raúl Asencio-Asencio impressed in his four starts alongside Antonio Rüdiger and is an easy decision for Ancelotti to start against Deportiva Minera.

CB: Diego Aguado-The 17-year-old can be part of his Real Madrid debut if Ancelotti chooses to give Aurélien Tchouaméni a break.

LB: Fran García— Left back brings experience to an otherwise young backline.

CM: Luka Modrić– The captain will have plenty of freedom to show off his creativity and playing ability.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga— The Frenchman will get the nod in the middle of the park after only playing from the bench against Valencia.

CM: Arda Güler– After scoring his first goal of the season against Girona, Güler will be in the market to add to his tally.

RW: Brahim Díaz-Díaz should have no problem finding the back of the net against such an inferior opponent.

ST: Endrick—The teenager hasn’t played more than 15 minutes since October 2, but he will get the chance to prove himself from the opening whistle on Monday.

LW: Rodrygo– The Brazilian gets a rare start on his favored left wing after playing just 68 minutes on Friday.

READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, BANS, PREDICTIONS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE