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Real Madrid beat Alcoyano 3-1 to advance to the next round of Copa Del Rey. Eder Militao broke the deadlock in the 39th minute of the game, heading in from a Rodrygo corner. Alcoyano then equalized in the 66th minute of the game through Daniel Vega.
But before Alcoyano could settle down, Marco Asensio scored Real Madrid's second of the night. The Spaniard's shot took a heavy deflection before turning into the back of the net. Jose Juan Figueras then scored an own goal under pressure from Isco to put the game to bed.
On that note, here's a look at the five talking points from the game:
#5. What a comeback by Eder Militao
Eder Militao's mistake against Getafe cost Real Madrid all three points over the weekend. But instead of succumbing to pressure, the Brazilian responded by putting in an immense shift.
Militao scored the opening goal of the game. Apart from that, he won nine duels, made six clearances, won four tackles, made 10 recoveries and intercepted the ball thrice during the game.
#4. Real Madrid struggled in the opening half
The Spanish giants struggled to find fluidity in their play in the first half. The flow disruption in their game was quite evident.
It was only after Militao's goal that Real Madrid found their mojo. Before that, they were struggling to play out from the back. Real Madrid's performance improved drastically after the goal, and they were able to string a series of passes together consistently.
Though they conceded in the second half before going ahead again, Miliato's goal was indeed the turning point in their gameplay.
#3. Alcoyano put up a great fight
Alcoyano did not allow Real Madrid to have it easy. The hosts made the Spanish giants work hard for their victory. Riding on the back of the fan support at their home stadium Campo Municipal El Collao, Alcoyano gave it everything.
The hosts did not even lose hope after ending the opening half 1-0 down. They returned all guns blazing in the second half, challenged for every duel and showed clear intent.
They were rewarded with a goal which leveled the score. But that wasn't enough.
#2. Real Madrid rest key players
Real Madrid excluded Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Thibaut Courtois and Ferland Mendy from the Copa Del Rey squad to give them a much-deserved rest. This allowed youngsters like Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde and Andriy Lunin to have their chances.
It also allowed players like Isco, Marcelo and Mariano to gain some game-time. While some players impressed, others were sub par.
One performance that made a good impression was that of goalkeeper Lunin. The Ukrainian had a good outing and showed that he can be trusted for games in the future.
#1. Real Madrid avoid embarrassment
Real Madrid blew out of the Copa Del Rey campaign last year after losing to Alcoyano in the Round of 32. They drew the same opponents this season but came out on top.
After Alcoyano's equalizer, it looked like Real Madrid could still bow out of the competition. But their resilience ensured they progressed to the last-16.
Carlo Ancelotti has made it evidently clear that he intends on winning the Copa Del Rey.
