Real Madrid will be expected to ease past fourth-tier Arandina in their Copa del Rey defence when the two sides meet on Saturday.
As Supercopa de Espana competitors, Los Blancos were given a pass straight to the last 32 where they will swap the glamorous surroundings of the Bernabeu for a trip to Aranda de Duero in north-western Spain.
Arandina have already provided shocks in the country’s domestic cup competition this season, knocking out higher division opposition in Murcia and Cadiz ahead of the biggest game in the club’s history.
Here’s what you need to know about the Copa del Rey clash on Saturday.
Arandina vs Real Madrid H2H Record
Arandina and Real Madrid have never previously met in a competitive fixture.
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Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make widespread changes to his starting XI after the 1-0 win over Mallorca on Thursday night.
Veteran midfield pair Luka Modric and Toni Kroos may drop out of the side alongside top scorer Jude Bellingham, though injuries elsewhere could mean Federico Valverde retains his place. Fringe players like Lucas Vazquez, club captain Nacho Fernandez, Dani Ceballos and Joselu will all be hoping for plenty of minutes.
Ancelotti preached for patience after Arda Guler was left on the bench in midweek but the 18-year-old could finally make his Madrid debut in what should be a much-changed but very attacking Blancos lineup.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Arandina (4-1-3-2): Arrizabalaga; Vazquez, Carrillo, Nacho, Garcia; Ceballos; Diaz, Valverde, Paz; Guler, Joselu.
Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey last season and are well placed to retain their crown as the strongest team in Spain right now.
Arandina’s facilities are much more modest compared to Madrid’s, holding 6,000 spectators at Estadio El Montecillo, and their previous scalps in this competition show they have all the heart and desire needed for a large-scale upset. However, they also sit rock bottom in Group 1 of the Segunda Federacion with only two league wins all campaign.
Even with a fair few absentees in his squad, Ancelotti should oversee a hefty win to secure a last-16 spot.
Prediction: Arandina 0-5 Real Madrid
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