Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga impressed, but Eden Hazard struggled as Real Madrid beat CD Alcoyano 3-1 in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Coming into the game on the back of a defeat to Getafe in La Liga, Real Madrid did not make the best of starts as Alcoyano controlled the contest in the early exchanges. However, Los Blancos eventually found their footing and were able to take the lead around the 40th minute when Eder Militao headed home from Rodrygo’s corner.
The second half also began on a similar note to the first one, with the third-division outfit looking more in control of things than their illustrious opponents. And, Alcoyano made it count this time out as Dani Vega beat Andriy Lunin with a fine effort to reinstate parity in the 66th minute. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men were back in front ten minutes later, with Marco Asensio’s deflected effort nestling into the net.
Minutes later, fellow substitute Isco forced the third strike, as he nudged the ball past the opposition goalkeeper Jose Juan, who got the final touch on the ball, making it an own goal. Having been dumped out of the competition at this exact stage by Alcoyano last year, the Merengues survived the threat this time out and managed to come out victorious.
Here are our player ratings for the Real Madrid stars after a hard-earned win in Alcoy.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Andriy Lunin: 7/10
Andriy Lunin's first game of the season. More to come, @AndreyLunin13 ??? pic.twitter.com/o3QiP6X31Q
— Seputar Real Madrid® (@SeputarMadrid) January 5, 2022
Making his first start for Real Madrid since the Copa del Rey exit against the same team last year, the Ukrainian goalkeeper was key to the Merengues’ win on Wednesday. Lunin was alert throughout the contest and made a couple of important stops in the first period to keep his team in the game. He could not stop Vega’s fine effort for the equaliser but made a few more crucial saves in the latter stages.
Nacho: 5/10
Slotting in at right-back, the veteran defender was put to the sword by the lively Andy Escudero. Nacho did not look comfortable at all on the night, hardly offered anything going forward and was careless when in possession.
Eder Militao: 7.5/10
Solid as ever at the back, the Brazilian redeemed himself after the mistake against Getafe as he made several tackles and clearances to keep the home team at bay. Militao also popped up with a good headed goal in the first half to get the ball rolling for Real Madrid.
Eder Militao crashes the front post to score ?
Madrid lead Alcoyano 1-0 pic.twitter.com/0nWCecSHf3
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 5, 2022
David Alaba: 6.5/10
The summer signing had a nervy start to the proceedings but grew into the contest with time and held things firm at the back. Alaba was at hand to cover for Marcelo, who was sloppy throughout.
Marcelo: 4/10
Getting a rare start, the Real Madrid skipper’s performance on the night highlighted how sharply he has declined over the past couple of years. Marcelo left spaces open at the back and was always slow in his recovery runs. On the ball, the Brazilian lacked the necessary precision to hurt the opponents when he ventured forward.
Federico Valverde: 5/10
A rather sub-par display from the talented midfielder who failed to make the most of his chance. Valverde lacked the intent and purpose to drive Real Madrid forward when he got on the ball, while his passing was not always accurate either. The Uruguayan hardly made an impact on the proceedings.
Casemiro: 5/10
Sloppy again from the Brazilian, who has been well below his best this season. While he won his fair share of duels in midfield, the Brazilian was erratic in his passing on a night when he needed to help the team control proceedings in the absence of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. He was turned inside out in the lead-up to the move for the equalising goal.
Eduardo Camavinga: 7.5/10
This is an Eduardo Camavinga appreciation post ? pic.twitter.com/bFOo3V67fO
— … (@fchaaland) January 5, 2022
A positive performance from the young Frenchman who made the most of his opportunity on the night. Camavinga pulled off a crucial goalline clearance very early in the game. He then took the initiative to drive the team forward when those around him seemed passive. Played progressive passes, made sharp, line-breaking runs, and worked hard off the ball.
Rodrygo Goes: 7/10
The brightest spark in attack for Real Madrid, the Brazilian caused a scare in the hosts’ backline every time he got on the ball, as a result of which, he won plenty of fouls. He also got the assist for the opening goal with a fine corner kick, while his delivery from set-pieces was generally good on the night.
Mariano Diaz: 4/10
Ineffective. Getting a start in the absence of Karim Benzema and Luka Jovic hardly got into the game on Wednesday as he just did not seem to be on the same wavelength as his teammates. He strayed offside too often, never really posed a threat before coming off with an injury.
Eden Hazard: 4/10
He may have gotten the assist for Asensio’s goal with a simple square pass, but it was a poor display from the Belgian international, who was the Player to Watch in our match preview. Despite his struggles in Madrid, much was expected of him against opposition from the third division, but Hazard was a no-show. Showed no desire or urgency to try and make things happen even though numbers indicate that he played the most key passes on the night.
?| Ancelotti: "Eden Hazard should recover his 1 vs 1 confidence. He has that quality. I hope he will be back to his true level soon." #rmalive
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 5, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Marco Asensio: 7/10
Replaced Mariano in the 48th minute. Looked lively in attack and executed some neat link-up play on occasions. Got the all-important second goal for Real Madrid with a deflected finish.
Isco: N/A
On for Camavinga in the 78th minute. He made an immediate impact, scoring the third goal, although it went down as an own-goal by the Alcoyano goalkeeper.
Toni Kroos: N/A
Replaced Hazard with a little over ten minutes left. Helped see out the game.
Jesus Vallejo: N/A
Late substitute for Alaba.
Dani Ceballos: N/A
Late substitute for Rodrygo to make his first appearance of the season.
