Real Madrid are out for revenge. About one year ago, Los Blancos were knocked out of the first round of the Copa del Rey by Alcoyano. The year before that, Los Blancos were deposited out of the competition by Real Sociedad in a high-scoring match that showcased Alexander Isak.
Fresh off a putrid performance in a 1-0 loss to local rivals Getafe, Real Madrid have even more motivation to get back on track and show out against Alcoyano on Wednesday night in the Copa del Rey Round of 32. Like last year, this is a road game at the Estadio El Collao.
Heavy rotations are expected from Carlo Ancelotti, who leaned on his key starters heavily to close 2021, which helped Real take a clear lead in LaLiga by beating the likes of La Real, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla.
Here is the lineup Don Carlo could go with in the Copa del Rey – a competition the Italian legend won in his first stint with the Royal Whites.
GK Andriy Lunin
Thibaut Courtois was able to test negative for COVID-19 twice before Sunday’s match against Getafe, so Andriy Lunin did not get his opportunity after all. Lunin is in such a tough situation, because he is good enough to start for many teams in the league. However, he cannot play meaningful matches, since Courtois is too damn good – and too damn important to this team, as we have seen time after time.
Lunin can be a world-class goalkeeper. Here’s to hoping he can pitch a clean sheet against Alcoyano. The attack being more lively would help.
LB Miguel Gutierrez
Miguel HAS to start. Marcelo could be an option for a veteran presence, but there are other experienced players Real can go with who are better. The Brazilian was decent against Getafe, but he was horrible against Alcoyano last season. Meanwhile, Miguel has almost always been very good for Los Blancos despite his lack of minutes making it seem like there has been something wrong with his displays.
CB Nacho Fernandez
Nacho Fernandez is a great backup to have for games like this. David Alaba could use another game off, while Nacho can still maintain the leadership and a level of defensive stability.
CB Jesus Vallejo
I would love to see Rafa Marin start, because he can be the future of this defense. However, I believe Carlo Ancelotti will give an opportunity to Jesus Vallejo. Not only does he care about Vallejo’s confidence, having subbed him into matches before, but he also may want Vallejo to have some good auditions so Real Madrid can finally sell him off. Vallejo’s transfer value is quite low.
RB Lucas Vazquez
In lieu of any other options – nobody wants to risk Dani Carvajal, who was still not healthy enough to play vs. Getafe – Lucas Vazquez will start here.