Mon Jan 06 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Cruises to 5-0 Victory Over Deportiva Minera in Copa del Rey
**Cartagena, Spain** – Real Madrid easily dispatched Segunda Federación side Deportiva Minera with a resounding 5-0 victory in their Copa del Rey match at the Cartagonova stadium. The match, while a comfortable win for the reigning champions, lacked excitement due to the significant disparity in skill between the two teams.
Despite fielding a largely reserve team, including the debuts of three academy players – Lorenzo Aguado, Diego Aguado (17), and Chema – Real Madrid dominated possession and showcased their superior talent. Arda Güler shone, scoring two goals, while Brahim Díaz impressed, further solidifying his place in the team. Endrick, however, failed to capitalize on his opportunity, struggling to make an impact. Meanwhile, Luka Modric enjoyed a relatively leisurely outing, rewarded with the appreciation of the crowd, scoring one goal.
The match highlighted the significant gulf in class, with Deportiva Minera struggling to create any meaningful chances against Real Madrid’s even their second-string players. The home team’s goalkeeper, Fran García (a former Real Madrid youth player), however, put in an impressive performance, making several notable saves.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for a rotated squad, prioritizing squad rotation and player development ahead of the upcoming Supercopa de España. The strategy proved successful as the team comfortably secured the win without expending significant energy. Several substitutions were made in the second half, including the introduction of star players Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior, who added further flair to the already one-sided match.
The game served as a valuable experience for Real Madrid’s younger players, offering them a rare opportunity to feature in a competitive match. While the result was never in doubt, the performance of Güler and the strong display from the young debutants provided some positive takeaways for Ancelotti. The focus now shifts to the Supercopa, with the Real Madrid squad refreshed and ready for the challenge.