Qualifying For The Last 16 Of The Copa Del Rey, Madrid Warm Up Before Fighting Atletico At Supercopa De Espana

Real Madrid players celebrated a goal in the match against Arandina in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey. (X/@realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid qualified for the last 16 of the Copa del Rey after defeating the fourth division team Arandina 3-1 at the Estadio El Montecillo Stadium, Sunday 7 January WIB. Victory in the last 32 was Madrid's warm-up before playing Atletico Madrid at Supercopa de Espana.

Madrid appeared with some of the second-tier players in the match. In fact, almost no pillar players were fielded in the second half.

The reason is, they only met opponents from the RFEF Segunda Division. Only Rodrygo and Federico Valverde, two core players, played by coach Carlo Ancelotti over the past 30 minutes.

Young midfielder Arda Guler became a concern after making his debut in the match. The 18-year-old has not played since he was recruited from Fenerbahce at the start of the season.

He had time to take part in Madrid's pre-season tour, but Guler then suffered a serious hamstring injury so he had to miss out before the competition started. Now, Guler has recovered and immediately started despite playing until 59 minutes.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, veteran midfielder Luka Modric to defender Antonio Rudiger just sat on the bench.

But midfielder Eduardo Camavinga had the opportunity to play after recovering from a knee injury. The ligament injury kept him out for two months. Camavinga became one of several pillar players who appeared in the match.

Despite the reshuffle of the squad, Los Blancos are definitely still too strong for Arandina. Appearing at home, Arandina only fought back for 45 minutes of the first half.

Furthermore, Madrid controlled the game so that they could score three goals. Plus one goal by Nacho because Arandina was unable to break into Kepa's goal.

Never mind scoring goals, the team's amateur-class efforts to approach Madrid's goal have never been achieved.

No wonder this match is just a warm-up or Madrid practice before facing Atletico in Madrid Derby in the semifinals of Supercopa de Espana or the Spanish Super Cup.

The Supercopa de Espana event is a meeting of the champions and runners-up of La Liga Spain with the Copa del Rey champions and runners-up. The battle of Spain's four best teams was again held in Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona, who are defending champions and won La Liga, met Osasuna in another semifinal match. Osasuna herself became a Copa del Rey finalist after being defeated by Madrid in the final match.

Madrid served Atletico on Thursday, January 11 in the morning WIB. The following day, Barca met Osasuna. The winner of the match will launch to the final.

Madrid himself had a hard time facing Arandina. Despite scoring three goals, Los Merengues had to work hard in the first half. Ancelotti's men were frustrated because they could not score.

Guler proved that he deserved to join Madrid. He had a good chance that had threatened the opponent's goal.

But his efforts still failed. Likewise, Guler's free kick almost brought Madrid up.

However, Madrid was only able to overcome the deadlock after Joselu scored in the 54th minute. Even then from the penalty spot after Brahim Diaz was brought down by defender Zazu in the forbidden box. Joselu completed the execution well.

The goal seemed to have dropped the host's morale. Only one minute later, Diaz got his turn to sign the scoreboard after breaking into Arandina's goal. Goals came after Diaz welcomed the rebound ball and his shot beat goalkeeper Adrian Alvarez.

Winning 2-0, Madrid is increasingly unstoppable. Joselu has the opportunity to score a brace after getting a good chance. However, he was unable to convert the opportunity into a goal.

On the other hand, Rodrygo, who solidified Madrid's victory in injury time. He met Diaz's cross. Arandina was finally able to reduce the gap. Only the home goal was created by Madrid players.

Nacho made an own goal after failing to anticipate Raly Cabral's strike. The ball that hit him turned and slid into his own goal. The score became 3-1 for Madrid and lasted until the end of the match.