Real Madrid Dominates Deportiva Minera with 5-0 Win in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid secured a convincing 5-0 win over Deportiva Minera to advance to the Copa del Rey last 16, with Arda Guler scoring a brilliant brace.

Real Madrid secured a convincing 5-0 victory over fourth-tier Club Deportiva Minera on Monday, booking their spot in the Copa del Rey's last 16. The standout performer was 19-year-old striker Arda Guler, who scored a brilliant brace to help his team progress.

Real Madrid wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking the lead within five minutes courtesy of Federico Valverde's impressive volley. The advantage was doubled just eight minutes later, as Eduardo Camavinga powered home a bullet header to leave Deportiva Minera reeling. Arda Guler then added a third goal before the half-hour mark, effectively sealing the win for Real Madrid.

Federico Valverde expressed his satisfaction with contributing to Real Madrid's victory, but emphasized that his primary role goes beyond scoring goals. “I'm happy to contribute goals to the team, but my task is different, to help in the best possible way, defending and helping out,” Valverde said after the match. He also acknowledged his appreciation for the coach's continued trust in him, saying, “I'm glad that the coach keeps taking me into account in every game, that he has confidence in me, and even if I'm tired, I'm always happy.”

Deportiva Minera's best scoring opportunity came when striker Omar Perdomo unleashed a long-range effort that narrowly missed the far right post of Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The hosts' spirited performance was rewarded with applause from the crowd, particularly when Luka Modric scored a brilliant goal 10 minutes after the break. Modric's finish into the far corner, following a clever combination with Brahim Diaz, brought the Cartagonova stadium to its feet, despite the home side trailing.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on Luka Modric, describing him as a “gift for football."” "(Luka) is a gift for football and even more for those who can enjoy it up close," Ancelotti said. “The fans, the players, the coach... for me, it's a great gift. The way he prepares for this kind of match, as if it was a final. It's a very important example for our youngsters.”

Ancelotti also commended the atmosphere during the match, saying, “The atmosphere was really good for the players. They stayed with the fans to sign shirts, and that made it a fantastic match.” The evening was capped off with Arda Guler scoring his second goal of the night, sealing the 5-0 win for Real Madrid two minutes from time.

🏁 @DeportivaMinera 0-5 @RealMadrid
⚽ 5' @FedeeValverde
⚽ 13' @Camavinga
⚽ 28' @10ArdaGuler
⚽ 55' @LukaModric10
⚽ 88' @10ArdaGuler#LaCopaMola | @Emirates pic.twitter.com/SCbDpaNjcS

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 6, 2025

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Deportiva Minera goalkeeper Fran Martinez put in a commendable performance, saving several good shots, including efforts from Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappe. Martinez's heroics were a testament to his team's spirit, with Deportiva Minera currently sitting top of Group 13 of the Segunda Federacion. The win propelled Real Madrid to the top of LaLiga, with 43 points, two clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid.