Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Albacete | Copa del Rey | OneFootball

Alvaro Arbeloa has announced his first starting lineup as Real Madrid manager, having taken over from Xabi Alonso earlier this week.

The Merengues lock horns with second-division side Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 away at Estadio Carlos Belmonte in a little over an hour, and the starting XI has now been confirmed, with some interesting choices.

The big news is that young midfielder Jorge Cestero, whom Arbeloa considers the best young No. 6 in Spain, starts as the pivot midfielder for Real Madrid.

The La Fabrica product is partnered in the middle of the park with Federico Valverde and Arda Guler.

Meanwhile, another academy prospect David Jimenez gets the nod at right-back while Fran Garcia comes in on the left side in the absence of Alvaro Carreras, who has been rested.

Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio start as the centre-backs, shielding goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who replaces Thibaut Courtois for the cup tie.

Up top, Gonzalo Garcia starts in attack, with Kylian Mbappe being unavailable. Franco Mastantuono also gets a rare start on the right flank, with Rodrygo also not making the trip. Vinicius Jr. retains his spot on the left wing.

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