The entire team was sub-par and underwhelming as Real Madrid crashed out of Copa Del Rey following a shock 2-1 defeat to third-division side Alcoyano at Estadio El Collao on Wednesday.
Alcoyano sat back and allowed Real Madrid to have the ball, but the La Liga champions could not make the most of their possession dominance, with no dangerous opportunities being created. On the cusp of half-time, though, Marcelo hit a brilliant cross into the box which his compatriot Eder Militao headed home to put Real Madrid in front.
Lucas Vazquez forced a save from the Alcoyano goalkeeper early in the second period, but chances continued to come at a premium for the visitors at Estadio El Collao. The minnows clawed their way back into the game as Jose Solbes stabbed home at the back post after Ramon Lopez had flicked on Juli’s corner in the 80th minute.
Real Madrid pushed in search of a winner in the dying stages of the game but were once again denied by Alcoyano’s keeper, Jose Juan, who made a brilliant stop to deny Vazquez again, while they also had a penalty claim turned down as the game entered into extra-time.
Jose Juan pulled off two more fine stops to keep Marco Asensio and Marcelo out in extra-time on either side of a red card for Lopez. And despite being down a man, Alcoyano grabbed a shock lead through Juanan with just five minutes left to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season and send Real Madrid packing out of the Copa Del Rey.
It was a hugely disappointing display from Zinedine Zidane’s men and here’s how we rated the performances on the night.
Andriy Lunin: 5/10
Making his first-team debut for Real Madrid, the highly-rated Ukrainian goalkeeper did not look convincing at all. Flapped at the ball when coming out to deal with crosses into the box on multiple occasions throughout the game. Did make one decent save in the first half, but not a lot he could have done to stop either goal. He will see better days.
Alvaro Odriozola: 5/10
Handed a rare opportunity to impress, the Spanish right-back could not make the most of it. Was not troubled a great deal defensively but failed to offer the necessary quality when he pushed forward, as he completed just two of his seven attempted crosses. Made way for Eden Hazard in extra-time.
Eder Militao: 5.5/10
Alcoyano 0-1 Real Madrid – Eder Militao goalpic.twitter.com/dkeM7IXuxT
— noobfcb (@noob_fcb) January 20, 2021
Playing for the first time since October last year, the Brazilian looked like he would be the difference-maker for Real Madrid on the night when he opened the scoring with a fine header from Marcelo’s cross.
Coped well defensively for the most part, making four clearances and winning seven of his eleven aerial duels. But, he could have done better to cut the cross for the equaliser and was caught out by the counter for the winning goal, which sees his rating get docked.
Victor Chust: 6/10
One of the few positives for Real Madrid on the night, the 20-year-old Victor Chust looked assured on his senior debut, despite his team ending on the losing side. Defended well when he needed to and showed great composure when on the ball. Won four of his nine duels, made two clearances and interceptions each, while finishing with a 90% pass accuracy.
Marcelo: 5.5/10
Replacing Ferland Mendy in the starting XI, the veteran left-back offered a constant outlet down the flank and got the assist for Militao’s goal with a nice cross. Made three key passes in total and also had a shot saved. However, his positioning was a bit of a concern once again, even though he tried hard to help in the defensive phases. Completed just two of his eight attempted crosses and lost possession on 32 occasions.
Federico Valverde: 4.5/10
Apart from having an early shot saved and creating a chance for Vinicius Junior, the Uruguayan did not offer much in terms of offensive play on the night. Covered his defence well for the most part, but was found wanting when needed the most as he failed to track the runner leading to the winning goal.
Casemiro: 6/10
The Brazilian enforcer performed his duties at the base of the midfield effectively, winning 10 of his 11 ground duels, making five tackles and a clearance. Tried to get involved in the attacking phases on many occasions. But not everything he tried came off. Did manage three key passes and played some enticing diagonal passes for the wingers to run onto, but could not carve out an opening.
Isco: 5.5/10
Some staggering stats for #RealMadrid tonight ?(@SofaScoreINT).
– Odriozola had ZERO tackles, blocks or interceptions
– Marcelo lost possession 32 times
– Mariano only 17 touches in 67 mins
– Isco the most active (3 key passes, 6/8 long balls + 9/11 dribbles)— Emily Wilson (@wilson_emt) January 20, 2021
Making it to the starting lineup after nearly two months, the Spaniard tried to get himself on the ball and drive Real Madrid forward but could not find a way through the hosts’ defence. Showed good intent throughout, as he completed nine of his 11 dribbles while also stitching together key passes. But, he ultimately lacked that bit of quality to open up Alcoyano.
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10
After a rather slow start to the game, the Spaniard slowly grew in stature and looked the most likely to make things happen. Had a couple of goal-bound efforts saved by the Alcoyano goalkeeper while he also played a total of seven key passes, completed five dribbles and hit five accurate crosses. No lacking of effort off the ball either as he made two tackles, one interception, one clearance and won 12 of his 21 duels.
Mariano Diaz: 3/10
Coming in for Karim Benzema into the starting XI, Mariano Diaz was a peripheral figure for most of his time on the pitch. Had one shot at goal, which was easily saved. Had just 17 touches, in which he lost possession five times, gave away five fouls and was booked before being taken off in the 67th minute. With him as the only backup for Benzema now that Luka Jovic has left on loan, it is a real concern for Zidane.
Vinicius Junior: 3/10
Given an opportunity to make a case for more regular involvement, the Brazilian failed to make the most of it. Linked up well with Marcelo initially, but lacked the clinical edge to score after finding himself in promising positions on a couple of occasions. But, the biggest blunder came at the other end when he let Solbes free to score the equalising goal late in the game. Disappointing.
Real Madrid are knocked out of the Copa del Rey by third-division Alcoyano ? pic.twitter.com/PsaXoVEfiN
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 20, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Karim Benzema: 5/10
Replaced Diaz in the 67th minute. An improvement on Diaz, as he tried to make things happen. Created a chance, had a shot blocked, but could not inspire his team to a victory.
Marco Asensio: 4/10
On for Vinicius at the onset of extra-time. Did not do much of note apart from a shot that was saved.
Eden Hazard: 4/10
Replaced Odriozola halfway through the first half of extra-time. Completed a few take-ons, but never really looked capable of changing the course of the game.
Toni Kroos: 4/10
Came on for Isco. Could not inspire a turnaround.
