Endrick, Camavinga start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid could line up against Deportiva Minera | OneFootball

Real Madrid will start their Copa del Rey 2024/25 campaign later tonight when they lock horns with fourth-division side Deportiva Minera in the Round of 32.

Los Blancos head into the game on the back of a hard-fought comeback 2-1 win over Valencia in their first game of 2025 and will be keen on avoiding a slip-up early into the new year.

However, keeping in mind the fact that they will be in action in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup in a few days, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make some major rotations tonight in Cartagena.

The Real Madrid boss has already left Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger out of the squad list for the trip to face Deportiva Minera and more heavyweights are expected to be given a break.

As such, here’s how the reigning champions of Spain and Europe could line up agains the RFEF Segunda Division outfit in their first cup tie of the season.

Defence

As mentioned earlier, Thibaut Courtois is not part of the travelling squad and as such, Andriy Lunin is all set to start as the goalkeeper for Real Madrid tonight.

The Ukrainian international will be hoping to make a good impression on Carlo Ancelotti so as to put his name in the reckoning for a starting berth in the Spanish Super Cup later in the week as well.

Meanwhile, major changes are expected in defence, with an entire backline comprising of La Fabrica talents very much a possibility.

Indeed, Lorenzo Aguado is all set to replace Lucas Vazquez at right-back while Fran Garcia is in line to start ahead of Ferland Mendy on the left.

Raul Asencio will step into the heart of the defence after having had to settle for fewer minutes in recent weeks. And even though Aurelien Tchouameni is an option, Ancelotti is reportedly planning to go with 17-year-old Diego Aguado as the other centre-half.

Midfield

Camavinga, Modric in line to start. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Things are pretty much straightforward as far as the Real Madrid midfield unit is concerned as Ancelotti will look to afford rest to his top names Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.

As such, one can expect a starting berth for club captain Luka Modric, who was instrumental in the comeback win over Valencia last week.

Meanwhile, Arda Guler, who has done well everytime given an opportunity, is also expected to start tonight in Cartagena, while the third slot in the centre of the park will likely be occupied by Eduardo Camavinga.

Attack

Up top, it is expected that both Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. will be given a breather by Ancelotti tonight against Deportiva Minera.

As such, teenage sensation Endrick is in line for a rare opportunity as a starter and the 18-year-old Brazilian will be hoping to make the most of his chance.

The youngster will receive support from his compatriot, Rodrygo Goes, who should slot in on the left flank in Vinicius and Mbappe’s absence.

Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz appears to be a certain starter on the right flank, having proven himself to be a reliable all-rounder for Ancelotti.