Real Madrid didn’t make it look easy against Elche in the Round of 16 stages of the Copa del Rey. They had to come from behind to beat Elche 1-2 within extra time. However, the story unfolded brilliantly in the end and it was another signature Real Madrid comeback with uncharacteristic heroes in Dani Ceballos, Isco, and Eden Hazard doing the job for Madrid.
The Copa has always been a competition where bench players get their chances against weaker defenses and Real Madrid did play a very different XI to their first-choice lineup in the top flight. We previously listed the players who would be expected to get their chances in the competition. This is thus an analysis after two matches where the so-called ‘weaker’ opposition factor comes to an end. Thus far, which Real Madrid players have made the most of the opportunities they got in the Copa del Rey?
3. GK Andriy Lunin
Real Madrid was drawn alongside Athletic Club for the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey and keeping in mind how demanding of an opposition Los Leones can be; if Andriy Lunin starts in goal for Los Blancos is a big question. Had our quarterfinal opponents been someone like Mallorca, Cadiz, or Rayo Vallecano there was a bigger chance for the Ukrainian shot-stopper to keep his place in the starting XI.
Lunin was ready to play in the quarterfinals, he has been terrific with his saves. In his first game against Alcoyano, he had to make three saves including one very tricky low-driven shot, per SofaScore. He also did a good job of punching out crosses and making high claims in the air. Comparatively, in the second game against Elche, his goal wasn’t attacked upon that much, but he was called to action twice in the first half and he got the better of Elche’s Guido Carrillo both times.
Although Lunin’s work with the gloves is very accurate and reliable, he needs to work extensively on his footwork. The early signs are good, the 22-year-old is high on confidence and that is reflected by the number of things he tries on the ball.
For example, he attempted an obnoxious amount of 20 long balls in the game against Alcoyano, he only completed four of them. He improved from that game to the game against Elche with his passing accuracy jumping from 26% to 85%. He was arguably better with his foot against Elche and things like the pitch size and better positioning of players helped the Ukrainian secure his passes in this one. Still, there’s a long way to go and he does seem like a promising option for the future.
2. AM/CF Isco Alarcon
Isco got two off-the-bench appearances in both Copa games and he made a mark in both. In the game against Alcoyano, he got a lucky goal but he played an important part in getting to the right place and putting pressure on the goalkeeper into committing that mistake. The goal which seemed like an own goal to me was finally credited to Isco. Then again in the game against Elche, the Spaniard was even more intelligent when he equalized for Los Blancos after conceding the first goal in the first half of extra-time.
There were a couple of things Isco did right, firstly he managed to stay onside right in a poacher’s position in front of the goal. That is key to playing center-forward especially when your team desperately needs a goal. Second, he spotted Dani Ceballos’s pass/shot and the goalkeeper’s initial movement. He could thus, direct the ball in a different direction with a simple flick.
Apart from his goals, Isco’s overall game was impressive as well. He played for just 12 minutes in the game against Alcoyano completing all of his dribbles (4/4) and winning all of his duels (4/4). He had a lot more to play for against Elche. In 41 minutes he maintained a 94% passing accuracy and completed both his attempted long balls. He also won his side a free-kick. The sort of awareness he showed to score the equalizer showed that he still has a lot of football left in him. Rumored to leave the Spanish capital next summer, such displays from Isco will keep improving his case for a future at a competitive club.
1. CM Eduardo Camavinga
If there is a winner on this list it definitely is Eduardo Camavinga. Not only is he making up for missed starting opportunities in the top flight, but he is also making quite the case for a more regular starter’s role in Ancelotti’s plans for LaLiga. At just 19 years of age, it is so mesmerizing to see Camavinga’s fluency and rhythm on the ball. He makes the job of anchoring play in midfield look so easy that Madridistas can be hopeful about the Frenchman being Real’s key man in their future lineup.
He was arguably Los Blancos’ best player against Alcoyano. With one key pass and consistent defensive interventions resulting in recoveries at key areas of the pitch, Camavinga led Real Madrid’s progressive play. He was playing in the number 8 role alongside Casemiro and Fede Valverde and he was easily the best midfielder on the pitch. Contrastingly, in the game against Elche, Camavinga had to be more defensive and play more as a CDM than a number 8, and yet, he impressed immense.
Even though Camavinga is standing out more as a future number 8 for Real Madrid, he was even better in this defensive role against Elche. He improved from 85% to 95% in terms of accurate passes that included a 100% accuracy at long balls (4/4). His defensive contribution always stands out and in this game, he again stood out with 3 tackles and 3 interceptions, per SofaScore.
However, he couldn’t inspire an attack in the real sense. But, he cannot be blamed for that given two creative playmakers in Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde started alongside him and even they couldn’t penetrate the stubborn Elche defense. This was a more mature and disciplined show from Camavinga. He surely has a bright future ahead with the Royal Whites.