Arantina faced a tough battle in the first half, but Joselu, with a penalty at the beginning of the second half, put Real Madrid ahead. Later, Brahim Diaz and Rodrigo Gozal increased Madrid’s lead.
The current champion Real Madrid secured their spot in the Copa del Rey last 16 with a 3-1 victory over Arantina on Saturday.
In the first half, Minoru struggled, but Joselu’s penalty early in the second half gave Madrid the lead. Brahim Diaz and Rodrigo Gozal later extended Madrid’s advantage.
Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez gave Arantina a consolation goal in stoppage time by accidentally putting the ball into his own net, delighting the supporters at the 6,000-capacity El Montecillo Stadium.
In the northern region of Castile and Leon, Arantina surprised Real Madrid in the first half. Carlo Ancelotti made his return after recovering from a knee ligament injury, starting Eduardo Camavinga, who had been out for almost two months due to injury.
Otherwise, the Italians deployed a mix of reserves and youth players, including Turkish actor Arda Guler, who made his first appearance for Madrid in this warm-up.
Guler came close to scoring in the first half with a powerful free-kick, hitting the post and playing with freedom.
Real Madrid took the lead early in the second half when outstanding Diaz was brought down by Jazu in the box, and Joselu sent a strong, low penalty to advance Madrid.
✅ Ice-cold from the spot! 🧊@JoseluMato9 | #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/UF4oIXWvgk
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 7, 2024
After Diaz missed a chance, he connected with the ball again, reaching Arantina’s goalkeeper Adrian Alvarez. Joselu missed a good opportunity to further extend Madrid’s lead before Rodrigo scored a stroke on Diaz’s cross in the third stoppage time.
When Nacho put Lali Cabral’s cross into his own net, Arantina got the goal they deserved.
In other action, Real Betis lost 1-0 to Alaves to leave the competition, while Atletico Madrid defeated Lugo 3-1 in the third division behind two goals from Memphis Depay. Surprise La Liga title contender Girona defeated second-division team Elche 2-0.
Player Ratings: Real Madrid vs Arantina:
- Brahim Diaz: Stole the spotlight on the night off for Jude Bellingham! Arda Guler impressed in his debut after joining from Fenerbahce in the summer. The real Madrid players were rated against Arantina, with Brahim Diaz shining with a solid performance.
Brahim Diaz initiated the opening of a low-key contest in the spell, leading Real Madrid to an easy 3-1 victory over Los Blancos in the Copa del Rey last 16. It is believed that the Spaniard remained quiet for the first 50 minutes, but he won a penalty – converted by Joselu – before scoring a fantastic goal of his own, securing Madrid’s comfortable win.
Newcomer Arda Guler was the most clear threat for Madrid in the early stages. The 18-year-old Turkish player forced a spectacular save from Adrian Alvarez with a free-kick before Joselu also came close, firing wide from a tight angle.
Real Madrid took an early lead in the second half when the skillful Diaz brought down Zazu in the box, and Joselu converted a strong, low penalty. Then, with a wonderful solo effort, Diaz added a second goal, beating Adrian Alvarez, the goalie for Arantina, from the edge of the box.
Joselu missed a good chance to further extend Madrid’s lead before Rodrigo scored a stroke on Diaz’s cross in the third stoppage time.
Nacho scored an own goal in the last minutes, giving Arantina a consolation goal, and the 10,000 fans in the stadium celebrated.
Real Madrid had to win in the end, and they paid a fair price for it since it guaranteed them a spot in the round of 16 as they attempted to defend the Spanish Cup.
Goalkeeper and Defense:
- Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10): A start that showed if nothing else, he prefers the second choice at this point. Should have stopped the late suicidal goal.
- Eder Militao (7/10): Not the Vinicius most Madrid fans are used to. But he kept himself composed from his right side and managed things well.
- Alvaro Carillo (7/10): A disciplined performance from the young defender. Handled Arantina’s aerial attacks well and was comfortable on the ball.
- Nacho Fernandez (4/10): Ineffective for a long time. There was some fear, giving Arantina a half-chance in the second half. Ended his night with a nightmare own goal.
- Fran Garcia (6/10): Another start for the young Spaniard. Nothing much to do defensively, and when he did, it was a bit shaky. His pace was sometimes downright scary.
Midfield:
- Eduardo Camavinga (8/10): Expert performance at the heart of the midfield. Won his tackles, presented some excellent pieces of skill, and ran the show entirely. Substituted off after an hour, and it makes sense.
- Dani Ceballos (7/10): A mixed performance. Solid in possession but needed to move the ball faster. Improved as the game progressed.
- Nkunku Paz (5/10): Not much on the ball, and when he had it, perhaps he tried too hard. It wasn’t his night – there will be more chances to come.
- Arda Guler (6/10): Made his highly anticipated debut after knee surgery and muscle issues. Some good touches, but it still feels like he’s working his way back – something that can be expected six months later.
Attack:
- Joselu (6/10): Relatively ineffective until he pressed the opener to put Madrid ahead. The rating would be higher if he had been more clinical.
- Brahim Diaz (8/10): Joined in the difficult first half. Delivered a wide cross of the post when he should have scored. Came alive when it mattered, winning a penalty, scoring an excellent solo goal, and assisting the second. Also contributed in the third.
