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Real Madrid rolled over Deportivo Minera, advancing to the Round of 16 with goals from Valverde, Camavinga, Güler (two), and Modric. Endrick failed to score or shine.
Behind the selfies, the draw for shirts, and the magnificent turnout at the Cartagonova to see Real Madrid in official competition for the first time, lay a scandalously one-sided match that was far too obvious. This Madrid, even in their alternate lineup, is just too much for any Second Federation team. The clash between high-level football and its less glamorous counterpart was emotive, yet not thrilling. Ancelotti's side kept scoring, all the while keeping an eye on the Supercopa and minimizing injuries. Notably, the match also marked the debut of three academy players: Lorenzo, 17-year-old Diego Aguado, and Chema. None of them were troubled. Arda Güler left behind two goals and some excellent moments, while Endrick struggled to improve his standing. Brahim showcased his closeness to Rodrygo, and Modric, playing almost as a second striker, enjoyed a night of relaxation that was celebrated by the crowd. Former Madrid academy player, Minera’s goalie Fran García, made several top-class saves, turning the match into significant self-promotion.
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Big teams do not share the same Platonic view of this Cup as the general public. Cold nights, bumpy pitches, ultra-motivated opponents, nothing to gain, everything to lose. This match came just before the luxurious Saudi Supercopa, where a trophy can be secured in just two efforts. Hence, Ancelotti took double precautions: he filled the starting lineup with substitutes and ensured that almost all key players were available in case of emergencies. The lineup featured a markedly youthful backline, with Asencio and two debutants, the Aguados, and a striking attack that is A-list in other contexts: Arda Güler and Brahim are stars for their national teams; while Endrick is Brazil's second-choice striker until he stopped playing for Madrid.
Alongside them, Valverde, the Ironman without whom Ancelotti steps out on the pitch: he has played in all 26 matches of the season and has only been substituted three times. He must possess some hidden immunity to fatigue that eludes the rest of the world. Just five minutes in, the Uruguayan dashed the Minera's initial hopes with an unstoppable volley from close range after Britos' insufficient clearance. Earlier, Fran Martínez had prevented two goals from one-on-one opportunities missed by Arda Güler and Endrick.
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Competing against a team from Murcia was not just about their notable physical and technical inferiority but also their disadvantage of playing against their natural style. In their category, they are seen as a dominant and territorial team. Without the ball, they were lifeless.
As it was clear from the start that there wouldn’t be a competitive match, the focus shifted to the individual players. All of Madrid’s players found their way into the box. Many of them may not get such an opportunity again this season. Camavinga scored the second goal with a header in the nine territory. Given the choreography of the celebration, it must have felt odd even for him.
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Endrick is an unorthodox striker. His strength and aggression compensate for his lack of height in a position where the standard is different. In recent months, he has not been the go-to solution in tighter moments, a diminishing phase that has left him buried deep on the bench. This match was a great chance for him, although the match didn’t feel like it. He is, like all Madrid forwards except Brahim, a player known for his long bursts of speed, yet the entire match unfolded in a single congested half. He missed several good chances due to his lack of composure in the area. In any case, it would be prudent to keep faith in him. For context, the debuting academy player Lorenzo Aguado, to whom he provided an assist, is four years older and remains in the club's B team.
Arda Güler is more seasoned and established. He still needs a standout performance in a remarkable match and a bit more dedication. His left foot could sustain him for two decades, but if he wishes for those years to be spent in Madrid, he might benefit from taking notes on perseverance from Modric. Just before halftime, he scored Madrid's third with a strike from the edge of the area.
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The match, in any case, offers no conclusions. Both Lorenzo Aguado and Diego Aguado neither looked out of place nor faced a challenger. Asencio, the veteran of the group, also found no opponent strong enough to challenge him. Fran García, operating along his side, had more opportunities. Before the break, the Minera managed one attempt with Omar trying from nearly 50 meters, catching Lunin off guard. Had it found the net, it would not have changed his team’s fortunes, but it would have guaranteed him an unforgettable memory.
The real winners were the fans, who paid top-tier ticket prices and were treated to a display from Mbappé and Vinicius, the kings and wizards, who came on to add sparkle to the match in the last half-hour, after Modric had already made it 0-4 with a placed interior shot. Ancelotti had time to ponder everything, even to please the crowd before Güler netted his double and made it five.”
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