Zinedine Zidane’s side will look to improve on their winning momentum when they face Cultural Leonesa on Wednesday night. Real Madrid have won three matches in a row in all competitions and would like to continue their winning streak against Cultural Leonesa.
The prized trophy has eluded Los Blancos for the last two seasons and Zinedine Zidane’s men will be hoping for a change of fortune this time around.
Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo rested
The famous trio of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo have been rested for the Round of 32 match as a part of Zidane’s rotation policy. Gareth Bale played a vital part in securing Real’s 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao when he assisted Alvaro Morata for the winning goal in the 83rd minute of the match. ;
Karim Benzema also made a mark on the scoresheet after he netted the first goal for Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo struggled throughout the match and was not able to increase his tally of four goals in all competitions this season.
In addition to the three forwards, Keylor Navas, the Real Madrid shot-stopper has also been given a well-deserved rest. Luka Modric, Casemiro, and Sergio Ramos have been ruledout of the game due to injury. Marcelo, the Brazilian full-back has not been included in the squad as well.
Asensio, Mariano in; Coentrao returns
The Copa del Rey clash gives a good opportunity for players such as James Rodriguez, Lucas Vasquez and Mateo Kovacic to shine and will give a chance for Mariano Diaz to make a mark in his early Real Madrid career.
James Rodriguez was seen warming up for a good part of the second half during Sunday’s match against Athletic Bilbao but was not utilized by Zinedine Zidane in the match. Alvaro Morata will also be looking to continue his fine form to cement his place in the starting XI of a star-studded Madrid side. Kiko Casilla is expected to start in goal for Real Madrid.
Fabio Coentrao, the Portuguese left-back makes his return to the squad after recovering from an injury. The presence of Fabio Coentrao will give Zidane more options to rotate his defensive lineup and he will be hoping Coentrao returns to his best as the season progresses.
Real Madrid’s complete squad:
Goalkeepers: Kiko Casilla and Rubén Yáñez.
Defenders: Pepe, Varane, Nacho, Carvajal, Coentrão, and Danilo.
Midfielders: Kroos, James, Kovacic, Asensio, and Isco.
Attackers: Lucas Vázquez, Mariano Diaz, and Alvaro Morata.
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