Real Madrid v UD Melilla - Preview and possible lineups

Ciara Fleming 5 years ago 4.7k
Madrid host minnows Melilla this week for the second leg of their cup tie . EFE

We take a look ahead at the Copa de Rey clash between Real Madrid and UD Melilla from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

TEAM NEWS:

Real Madrid:

After a tough win over Valencia at the weekend, manager Solari is sure to ring in the changes for this cup tie, with big names being rested in favour of youth. 

In terms of injuries, Casemiro and Nacho are still absent for the hosts, while young full back Alvaro Odriozola faces a late fitness test to be in contention for first team minutes on Thursday. 

Keylor Navas will get a rare start in goal for 'Los Blancos', with Sanchez and Reguilon set to be introduced into the back line.

Furth up the field, Valverde, Llorente and Ceballos should be selected in midfield, while Mariano will get the nod up front, alongside Vinicius Junior , Isco and Asensio.

UD Melilla:

Having been well beaten in the first leg, UD Melilla know that they will need a miracle to win through to the next round, as they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. 

In terms of team selection; carrion and Mahanan are expected to return to the side, after having played in the first leg match between the two sides. 

Meanwhile, Alfonsito is expected to be given a midfield role, as the club's leading scorer Qasmi will be reinstated up front. 

WHO IS SAYING WHAT?

Solari:

"The first leg was very good because we put in a very good performance with a good attitude and intensity, against a team that play very good football and are top of their group in Segunda B. "

"That division (Segunda B)  is very underestimated and there are teams that play very good football".

"There are 11 players in the squad that have been through the academy and there are 90 players in the first and second division that have been a part of Real Madrid’s academy".

Carrion:

"We want to play good football and show the viewers of the game exactly how Melilla play."

"Everyone has shown how excited they are to play in the match, but yes, we knwo that the ultimate gola is promotion to the second division."

"We need to make sure to enjoy it and see if we can reach the level required to play against a team of such quality."

FORM GUIDE:

DID YOU KNOW?

The first leg of this Copa del rey tie was the first ever match contested between the sides in any competition.

Madrid scored 4 goals in the first leg, and will be fancied to match that total, as the reverse fixture this week is at their home ground, the Santiago Bernabeu.

POSSIBLE LINEUPS:

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Sanchez, Varane, Reguilon; Isco, Llorente, Ceballos; Asensio, Mariano, Vinicius.

UD Melilla: Barrio; Chakla, Mahanan, Segura, Carrion; Ruano, B Martin, Alfonsito, Otegui, Martinez; Qasmi.

Mentioned in the news story

Copa del Rey
UD Melilla
Real Madrid