Real Madrid 5-0 Deportivo Minera: Modric & Guler Star
Dominant Display Secures Comfortable Progression
Real Madrid made light work of fourth-tier Deportivo Minera in their Copa del Rey clash on Monday evening, securing a commanding 5-0 victory. Luka Modric and Arda Guler orchestrated a masterful midfield performance, ensuring a smooth passage into the tournament’s last 16.
Guler netted twice, while Modric added a goal of his own, seamlessly controlling the tempo of the match. Madrid established their dominance early, with Endrick and Guler testing the opposition within the opening moments. Federico Valverde capitalized on shaky Minera defending to fire home the opener just five minutes in, followed by Eduardo Camavinga nodding in a second soon after. Guler made it three before halftime with a deflected effort that left the goalkeeper stranded.
The intensity remained high after the break. Luka Modric marked his exceptional performance with a sublime goal—his first ever in the Copa del Rey—before Guler rounded off the scoring with a well-placed finish into an empty net following a flowing team move.
While Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe pushed for goals, Madrid never looked troubled, executing a professional performance that comfortably dispatched their lower-league opponents. The focus now shifts to the round of 16.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
- Andriy Lunin (6/10): Had a quiet evening with minimal involvement. His only save was a routine collection of a tame effort.
- Lorenzo Aguado (6/10): Showed flashes of potential but also made a few errors. A solid learning experience for the youngster.
- Raul Asencio (7/10): Looked composed in defense despite recent exclusion from the starting XI. A performance that could warrant more playing time.
- Diego Aguado (7/10): Handled his duties well, showing maturity beyond his years in a largely uneventful defensive outing.
- Fran Garcia (7/10): Provided energy down the left flank, constantly looking to contribute in the attacking third.
Midfield Maestros & Attackers
- Luka Modric (9/10): A vintage display from the midfield maestro, dictating play with ease and capping it off with his first-ever Copa del Rey goal.
- Arda Guler (9/10): A joy to watch, showcasing creativity, composure, and a clinical touch in front of goal with his brace.
- Eduardo Camavinga (8/10): A dominant presence in midfield, contributing with a well-timed header for Madrid’s second.
- Federico Valverde (8/10): Set the tone early with a well-taken volley and maintained a high level throughout.
- Vinicius Jr (7/10): Lively but unable to find the net, despite several attempts.
- Kylian Mbappe (7/10): Similarly eager to score but lacked the finishing touch on the night.
What’s Next?
With their place in the last 16 secured, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, seeking to maintain momentum across all competitions. The dominant display against Deportivo Minera reaffirmed their depth and quality, with young stars like Guler making strong cases for more minutes.
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid’s professionalism and quality were evident in their Copa del Rey performance. From Modric’s midfield brilliance to Guler’s sharp finishing, Los Blancos showcased their superiority in a game that never looked in doubt. Fans will be eager to see how the team fares in the next round, as they continue their quest for silverware.