Arda Guler netted twice as Real Madrid sailed into the Copa del Rey last 16 with a dominant 5-0 victory over fourth-tier side Deportiva Minera at Estadio Cartagonova.
First-half goals from Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Guler set the tone for the night, while Luka Modric and Guler added second-half strikes to complete the rout.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made 10 changes to his lineup following their recent LaLiga win over Valencia, giving debuts to defenders Lorenzo Aguado and Diego Aguado. Valverde, the only player retained, opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a stunning volley.
Camavinga doubled the lead with a header from Fran Garcia’s cross, and Guler made it three with a deflected shot just inside the box.
Veteran captain Modric extended the advantage in the second half, curling a precise shot into the bottom corner after linking up with Brahim Diaz, who also hit the post earlier in the game.
Despite star players Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappé starting on the bench, Guler stole the spotlight by tapping in his second goal late in the match from Garcia’s assist.
Deportiva Minera, who shocked LaLiga’s Alaves in the previous round, were no match for the 33-shot onslaught from the LaLiga champions.
Real Madrid now turn their focus to the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals against Real Mallorca in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in just three days.
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