Match Preview: Real Madrid host CD Numancia in Copa Del Rey
Real Madrid will play the second leg of Copa Del Rey, Round of 16 match at the Bernabeu. The first leg saw Real Madrid seal a comfortable 3-0 victory.
On Tuesday morning, Real Madrid’s first team along with a few Castilla players stepped out for training at the Valdebebas training facility. Zinedine Zidane talked to the group for an unusually long time after which the training resumed.
All is not well at Real Madrid as the world beaters have been beaten too easily this season and Zidane would be determined to change that. The game on Wednesday should be an easy one and Real should win it comfortably
Playing XI
Expected Starting Line-up: Casilla, Dani Carvajal, Jesus Vallejo, Nacho, Theo Hernandez, Mateo Kovacic, Marcos Llorente, Dani Ceballos, Lucas Vazquez, Borja Mayoral, Marco Asensio/Gareth Bale
Expect Zidane to field the same side as he did in the first leg. The first team players could use some rest with a game on Saturday against Villarreal. Although, the team that played in the first leg clearly lacked cohesion as those group of players have hardly ever played together. However, it should be an easy game and Zidane would hardly be losing any sleep over it.
This is going to be a very important game for Theo Hernandez though. With a steep dip in form for Marcelo, Zidane could look toward Theo and would need him to be ready. Theo needs to make most of the opportunities he is getting as he could soon be getting minutes on the Left Back position.
Ceballos and Llorente will also be stepping out on the Bernabeu with a point to prove. Both of them came to the Bernabeu amidst much fanfare, however, either of the two have failed to get any relevant minutes. They may or may not be under the microscope like Theo would be, given Marcelo’s dip in form.
Next: Is the Copa del Rey Real Madrid's best shot at silverware?
Copa Del Rey – Primary Target for Zidane:
Given Real Madrid’s struggle this season in La Liga, Zidane will be targeting the King’s Cup. Real have a three goal advantage from the previous game and should sail through easily to the next round.
Numancia did give some fight in the first leg, however, could keep the pressure sustained for the whole of 90 minutes. This game should not be any different.