Real Madrid booked their place in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with an emphatic 5-0 win over fourth-tier Club Deportiva Minera yesterday, with striker Arda Guler scoring a superb double.
Madrid took an early lead when Federico Valverde volleyed home in impressive style within five minutes. Eduardo Camavinga doubled the lead just eight minutes later with a bullet header, while Guler added a third goal before the half-hour mark.
“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,” said Valverde after the match.
The hosts came closest to scoring when striker Omar Perdomo unleashed a long-range effort that flew just wide of Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s far right post.
Luka Modric’s brilliant finish into the far corner 10 minutes after the break, following a clever combination with Brahim Diaz, brought the crowd in the Cartagonova stadium to their feet in a festive atmosphere even though the home side were trailing.
Guler sealed the win with his second goal of the night two minutes from time.
Despite conceding five goals, Minera goalkeeper Fran Martinez saved several good shots including efforts from Valverde and Kylian Mbappe.
Cartagena’s Deportiva Minera are currently top of Group 13 of the Segunda Federacion. Madrid lead LaLiga on 43 points, two clear of Atletico Madrid.
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