da esoccer bet: With his star man rested, Carlo Ancelotti turned to another bright talent to snag a Copa del Rey win
da stake casino: Brahim Diaz blew open a stale contest in a mesmerising second-half spell, making the difference for Real Madrid in just five minutes to ease Los Blancos past Arandina in the Copa del Rey. The Spaniard had been admittedly quiet for the first 50 minutes, but he won a penalty — converted by Joselu — before bagging a wonderful goal of his own to help Madrid to a comfortable 3-1 win.
Debutant Arda Guler was Madrid's most apparent attacking threat early on. The 18-year-old Turk forced a neat save out of Adrian Alvarez, before cannoning a free-kick off the post. Joselu also came close, firing into the side netting from a tight angle.
But Los Blancos came alive after the break. Joselu grabbed the opener, tucking a penalty into the bottom corner. Diaz grabbed the second, a lashed effort into the corner from the edge of the box. A third from Rodrygo — assisted by Diaz — put the game beyond doubt late on.
Arandina weren't merely spectators here. The home side, in a stadium that held just 10,000 fans, tried to hit on the break, but never carved out a clear opportunity. Their sole goal — an ugly thing as Nacho turned the ball into his own net — was certainly deserved.
In the end, Madrid had to earn this win, but were good value for the victory — and deserved their spot in the last 16 as they look to defend the Spanish Cup.
GOAL rates Reak Madrid's players from El Montecillo…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):
A start that showed, if nothing else, that he is very much second choice at this point. Should have stopped the late own goal.
Vinicius Tobias (7/10):
Not the Vinicius that most Madrid fans are used to. But he held his own at right-back, and kept things tidy.
Alvaro Carrillo (7/10):
A composed showing at the back from a young defender. Handled Arandina's aerial assault well, and was comfortable enough on the ball, too.
Nacho (4/10):
Relatively unbothered for long stretches. Had a bit of a scare, allowing Arandina a half chance in the second half. Capped off his night with a nightmarish own goal.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Another start for the young Spaniard. Didn't have loads to do defensively, and was vulnerable when he did. His pace was absolutely terrifying at times.
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Eduardo Camavinga (8/10):
Masterful at the base of midfield. Won his tackles, broke out some outrageous pieces of skill, and absolutely ran it. Taken off after an hour, and understandably so.
Dani Ceballos (7/10):
A mixed showing. Solid in possession, but really should have moved the ball quicker. Improved as the game wore on.
Nico Paz (5/10):
Not on the ball much, and perhaps tried to do too much when he had it. Not his night — there will be more chances to come.
Arda Guler (6/10):
Made his highly anticipated debut after knee surgery and a muscle issue. Some nice touches, but still looks like he's working his way back — which is to be expected after six months out.
Attack
Joselu (6/10):
Relatively uninvolved until he buried the opener from the spot to give Madrid the lead.
Brahim Diaz (8/10):
Hardly involved in the first half. Put one wide of the post when he really should have scored. Came alive when it mattered, and made the difference, winning the penalty for the first, and smashing the second in. Assisted the third, too.
Subs & Manager
Rodrygo (5/10):
Bagged the third — which was rather harsh on Arandina.
Federico Valverde (6/10):
Once again solid in a defensive midfield role. Pinged a few lovely passes.
Mario Martin (7/10):
Impressive in some of his passing. An encouraging, if rather brief, debut.
Alvaro Rodriguez (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Was able to give some big names a rest, benching Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric, while leaving Toni Kroos at home. Madrid didn't find it easy for the first half, but were much improved in the second. No slip ups, onto the next round.