Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Elche in the Copa del Rey Round of 16
Real Madrid are fresh off a Spanish Supercup triumph over Athletic Bilbao, as their professional 2-0 win on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia avenged a semifinals loss in the 2020 version of the competition.
Revenge has been a bit of a theme for Los Blancos in 2021-2022. After losing to Shakhtar Donetsk twice in the 2020-2021 Champions League group stages, they beat them twice this season. And after being knocked out of the first round of the Copa del Rey by Alcoyano last year, they defeated the underdogs 3-1 this time around.
On Thursday evening, Real Madrid will return to action in the Copa del Rey with a match against Elche, whom they edged out 2-1 earlier this season in LaLiga. Let’s take a look at how Los Blancos could line up in this Round of 16 cup match against Elche, which should be just as tough as their earlier meeting in 2021-22.
GK Andriy Lunin
The cup goalkeeper was one of the standouts against Alcoyano, as he could do nothing about the goal he surrendered. Andriy Lunin did well early on when he was facing a surprising onslaught of shots from the home side. The Ukrainian is one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe, and this match against Elche is a chance to prove that.
LB Miguel Gutierrez
Since Miguel Gutierrez is returning to health from a GI issue that was the real reason by his absences, you’d think he would get a start any day now. Miguel impressed Madridistas a lot in 2021, whether it was against Athletic Bilbao last season or Real Betis early this season. The attacking quality he provides could be a difference-maker against Elche, and he does not have the same defensive question marks as Marcelo, who was poor again vs. Alcoyano.
CB David Alaba
We could see Real Madrid roll with a young option at center back, but with Eder Militao already suspended for a red card, I think Carlo Ancelotti will want one regular starter in the center of defense to ward off counterattacks. Alaba’s importance was magnified in El Clasico, as Real had some nervy moments defensively without the world-class No. 4. Elche have a lot of counterattacking quality with players like Fidel and Lucas Boye, as we have seen multiple times when Los Blancos have faced the LaLiga underdogs.
CB Nacho Fernandez
Nacho Fernandez is more than good enough for these Copa del Rey fixtures. After some questionable performances to start the season, he should slot in at center back here. He played right back in the win over Alcoyano, with goal-scoring hero Eder Militao in the center. But with no Militao, Nacho will play a more familiar position. He is much better at center back at this stage of his career.
RB Lucas Vazquez
There is no other right back option. Lucas Vazquez has rebounded lately after a poor string of matches to close the year 2021. Dani Carvajal surely will not be in a Copa del Rey match. Even though he didn’t miss the final of the Supercopa with an injury – he was out with COVID-19 – Real know they must carefully manage the veteran right back’s minutes.