On Monday evening, Real Madrid showcased their prowess in the Copa del Rey with a commanding 5-0 victory against Deportivo Minera at the Estadio Municipal de Mendizorrotza. Coach Carlo Ancelotti made the decision to rest several key players, giving younger team members a chance to step into the spotlight.

Among the younger talents that shone in this match were 17-year-old Diego Aguado and Arda Güler. Ancelotti expressed his pride in their performance, stating, ‘They showed their quality. It is a good experience for them to be with us, to work, to train, and to get minutes.’

The scoring opened just four minutes into the match when Federico Valverde volleyed the ball into the net, followed by Eduardo Camavinga who added a second goal shortly after. Güler contributed to the team’s triumph with two goals, one of which came after a slight deflection, further underscoring his impact during the game.

Ancelotti also praised veteran player Luka Modrić, calling him ‘a gift for football.’ He added, ‘For me he’s a great gift, especially because of the way he prepares for this type of game. He prepares them as if they were a final.’

Even with the strong young lineup, Real Madrid’s dominance was clear. Captain Modrić scored the fourth goal, solidifying the team’s control of the match. The game concluded with another goal from Güler two minutes before the final whistle, showcasing Real Madrid’s strength and depth.

Despite the absence of stars like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, who were rested for this match, Ancelotti expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities, noting that the young players displayed resilience and skill.

As Real Madrid progresses to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, their blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent suggests a bright future ahead. Ancelotti concluded, ‘We don’t think they’re going to sanction him. He doesn’t need affection. He’s one of the best in the world.’