Real Madrid Predicted Starting XI vs. Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey Round of 32
LW Eden Hazard
I could go either way between Rodrygo Goes and Eden Hazard. On the one hand, Rodrygo is more important to the future, and he could be a more dynamic option against Alcoyano. But on the other hand, Hazard could use the confidence boost and has done a nice job of carrying the ball into the penalty area and creating shots for others – he is second and first on the team per 90 in all comps, respectively.
Hazard has become a divisive figure among fans, and that is a shame. While he is not in Real’s future plans, it is still important for him to do well. He cares about the club, and, cynically, the club needs him to do well in order to sell him next summer. So he could start before Vinicius Junior returns next weekend vs. Valencia.
ST Mariano Diaz
Update: It appears Luka Jovic has not recovered. He was not named in the squad for the match. Thus, Mariano Diaz is the option at striker, unless if Carlo Ancelotti feels he needs Karim Benzema. It is a risk to go with Mariano, but since Ancelotti seems intent on rotating, Mariano gets his chance. Ancelotti has been full of kind words for the hard-working forward, even if Real want to move him in the summer.
Original: Hopefully Luka Jovic recovers and starts, because I doubt Real Madrid want to start Mariano Diaz against Alcoyano again. They just can’t trust him. Jovic has been excellent in recent weeks, stepping up big-time when Karim Benzema suffered an injury early in the first half of an eventual 2-0 win over Real Sociedad. The Serbian international’s hold-up play has been tremendous, and he even stood out in that regard against a top LaLiga side in Atletico Madrid. Jovic could be the goal-scoring difference-maker Los Merengues missed last time they faced these underdogs in the Copa del Rey.
Next. The 5 players Real Madrid should have never sold. dark
RW Peter Federico
You know it! After impressing against Athletic Bilbao in his debut, Peter Federico showed more flashes at the end of the loss to Getafe, even if he was not quite as brilliant. Peter needs a more extended run of minutes, as he has already shown he belongs as a bench player in the first team. The skillful left-footer is a great option to start against Alcoyano. He offers an extra spark that Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio don’t – not even Rodrygo has looked as exciting as Peter lately.