It wasn’t the most memorable game for Real Madrid, but they are through to the fourth round of the Copa del Rey nonetheless.
Taking on Segunda Federacion side Cacereno at the Estadio Principe Felipe on Tuesday evening, it was expected to be a comfortable game for Los Blancos.
A number of regular first team players started, including Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. The likes of Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos were all given opportunities to impress head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
However, the match was anything but comfortable despite the strong squad. It was a match of very few chances for either side, as Cacereno battled hard to keep their superstar opponents at bay. They were largely successful, but their resistance was broken with 20 minutes remaining.
Ceballos played the ball out to Rodrygo on the left, who cut inside two players and curled a beautiful effort beyond Cacereno keeper Ivan Moreno. In a match that lacked quality, the Brazilian’s skill and finesse lit up the stadium as Real Madrid edged ahead.
💃¡SAMBA DE JANEIRO!
💥Rodrygo se marca esta obra de arte para poner a bailar a la defensa del Cacereño y marcar el primero del partido
🕰️20' para el final #CopaDelRey #LaCopaRTVE https://t.co/QbmBMjaRdI pic.twitter.com/0anNmumTM7
— RTVE Deportes (@deportes_rtve) January 3, 2023
It remained 1-0 to the away side, who progress to the next round of the competition. The performance will be a worry to Ancelotti, but when it comes to cup football, the result is most important, and Real Madrid got it.
Image via EFE
Hazard, the 100 million man was invisible in a game vs a side that is at best, fourth tier opposition.
Let that sink in. Cacareno is not even worth 1 million together with stadium and each player/staff member.
Hazard was terrible. Never involved. You could see it on his face coming off. Guy is finished.The pitch itself was a torn up mess. Surprised there wasnt more errors from the madrid team being used to perfect carpet like turf. One moment of magic from Rodrygo turned it all around to the visitors. Anchelotti is secretly breathing a sigh of relief after this one.