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Real Madrid is set to commence their Copa del Rey campaign today, January 6, 2025, facing Deportiva Minera in a Round of 32 clash at Estadio Cartagonova in Cartagena, Spain.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to rotate his squad, providing opportunities for emerging talents and fringe players. Notably, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is anticipated to start, with regulars Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger rested. The defensive lineup may feature Lorenzo Aguado, Raúl Asencio, and Fran GarcÃa, while the midfield could include Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modrić, and Arda Güler, who returns after a brief illness. In attack, Rodrygo, Brahim DÃaz, and Endrick are projected to lead the line.
Deportiva Minera, a club from Llano del Beal in Cartagena, is experiencing a historic moment with this fixture. Founded in 1949, they recently achieved promotion to the Segunda RFEF, marking the highest level in their history. Their journey to this stage included a notable victory over Alavés in December. The local community is abuzz with excitement, especially for club president José Blaya, whose 16-year-old son, Antonio Blaya, is set to debut in this significant match.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM CET (1:00 PM EST). In the United States, it will be broadcast live on ESPN+, while in Spain, RTVE holds the broadcasting rights.
Real Madrid's approach to the Copa del Rey often involves utilizing the tournament to provide valuable playing time to reserve and young players. Fans are particularly eager to see how talents like Arda Güler and Endrick perform, given their potential and previous contributions this season.
For Deportiva Minera, this match represents a monumental occasion, offering their players a chance to compete against one of the world's most prestigious football clubs. The local community views this as a dream fixture, with aspirations of making a significant impact in the tournament.
As the teams prepare to face off, the football world watches with anticipation to see if Real Madrid will assert their dominance or if Deportiva Minera can produce a memorable upset in this classic David versus Goliath encounter.
