Real Madrid To The Copa Del Rey Semifinals When Young Stars Look Gemilang

JAKARTA - Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Real Madrid's young players after they helped the team win 3-2 against Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Thursday, February 6, 2025, early morning WIB.

Madrid's team, strengthened by young defender Raul Asencio (21 years), Jacobo Ramon (20 years), Gonzalo Garcia (20 years), Arda Guler (19 years), and Endrick (18 years).

Los Blancos were already 2-0 up in Butarque thanks to goals from veteran players Luka Modric and Endrick, before host Juan Cruz's brace equalized to 2-2.

Gonzalo Garcia then scored the winner in the 93rd minute. Garcia - who has scored 19 league goals for Madrid's Castilla reserve this season - came off the bench over Brahim Diaz's cross with a header to ensure Real Madrid qualify for the semifinals.

"It was a balanced and competitive match. We struggled at the back. Jacobo was a little nervous at first, but then he started to fix things."

"Gonzalo is in good form for Castilla. We have to be happy with what young players are doing."

"They can make mistakes, but they contribute to the team. We need them, this is a difficult moment."

"We had to go through with a game like today, where we struggled," Ancelotti told a news conference after the match.

The crisis of defense injuries has cost Real Madrid three senior centre-backs - Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba - at an important stage this season.

Real Madrid will host city rivals Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the La Liga event on Sunday, February 9, 2025, before traveling to Manchester City in the first leg of the knockout play of the Champions League.

"Those who work under us (in the academy) play well, create well prepared players."

"There are Raul (Asencio), Gonzalo, and Jacobo, who can replace players who have suffered long injuries."

"For three months, they couldn't play. However, we realized that we could count on them (young players)," said Ancelotti.

Jacobo Ramon emerged as his first starter of the season, after appearing as a substitute in Real Madrid's win over Salzburg 5-1 last month. He had several tense moments, including when he picked up a penalty in the first half.

"Jacobo is not a player who just played today. He's a very good player, a good defender."

"He will be with us until the end of the season. He will play better than today, I am sure of that," said Ancelotti.

Ancelotti admits his team's election against Leganes has been adjusted to Real Madrid's upcoming fixture.

Judging by the busy and tough schedule after the Copa del Rey, the Italian coach needs to rotate and entrust young players to thrive.

"We take into account the next two games, of course. "(We don't want to) make the team too tired, because we have an emergency situation at the back."

"We have to give the young players we have--Arda, Endrick, Jacobo--minutes to find their rhythm so they can be useful in the upcoming game," Ancelotti said again.