CARTAGENA: Real Madrid booked their place in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with an emphatic 5-0 win over fourth-tier Club Deportiva Minera on Monday, with striker Arda Guler scoring a superb double.
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.
“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 even if I’m tired I’m always happy,” the Uruguay striker added.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti rested several key players ahead of the Spanish Super Cup starting in Saudi Arabia later this week, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior only appearing as second-half substitutes.
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 far right post.
Luka Modric’s brilliant finish into the far corner 10 minutes after the break, following a clever combination with Brahim Diaz, brought the crowd in the Cartagonova stadium to their feet in a festive atmosphere even though the home side were trailing.
“(Luka) is a gift for football and even more for those who can enjoy it up close,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “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,” the manager added.
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 Mbappe.
Cartagena’s Deportiva Minera are currently top of Group 13 of the Segunda Federacion.
The draw for the next round takes place on Wednesday, with the fixtures due to take place between Jan 14-16.
Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2025
