Real Madrid CF 6-1 UD Melilla: 4 takeaways | Copa del Rey 2018-19

It was a vintage performance from the Blancos as they progressed to the next round of the Copa del Rey at the Santiago Bernabeu. Santiago Solari fielded a much-changed XI to face the African coast club who they'd already defeated 4-0 in the first leg back in October.

Keylor Navas started in goal for the home side. Also making his first appearance since returning from injury was Jesus Vallejo, who played alongside youngster, Javi Sanchez, at the heart of the Madrid defense.

Odriozola started in his natural right-back slot, while Carvajal was asked to play as an inverted fullback on the left flank. The midfield consisted of Marcos Llorente, making his third consecutive start for the club for the first time, with Isco and Valverde either side of him. Mariano also started his first match since returning to full fitness.

Vinicius made his first start at the Bernabeu, playing on the left wing, and Marco Asensio was stationed on the right.

The home team started as they meant to go, pressing Melilla, who looked tired from the first minute, lacking the energy to keep up with Madrid's frantic attacking, and Marco Asensio rediscovered his golden touch against the minnows, scoring twice and laying on a beautiful assist for Javi Sanchez, who took his attempt like the very best of #9's around.

The second half saw Llorente and Carvajal taken off in place of Ceballos and Garcia, and Ceballos had an instant impact, setting up the night's captain, who smashed a beautiful effort into the top corner in very Isco-esque manner to make it four.

Vinicius took on 3 Melilla defenders, and made it 5 with 15 minutes to go after Asensio laid the ball onto him. The first shot was parried away, but the rebound fell right onto his feet, and he made no mistake, getting his goal.

Javi Sanchez added a blemish in otherwise a perfect evening by fouling Quasmi in his own box at the 80th minute, and the man himself stepped up and stroked his effort past a wrong-footed Keylor Navas.

Madrid hit back almost instantly, as Fran Garcia set up Isco, who scored a similar goal to his first one to make it 6-1 on the night, and rounded off a humiliating 10-1 aggregate victory. Mariano limped off the pitch soon after, and Madrid finished the game with 10 men. Here are the talking points from the game.

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#1 Marcos Llorente's growing importance

Llorente has grabbed his opportunity with both hands

Since Casemiro picked up a knock against Celta Vigo, Marcos Llorente has stepped up to fill in for the burly Brazilian. The Spaniard doesn't bring the same brutal physicality, but his play has been superb so far, and the squad has not missed Casemiro.

Llorente gives the team a different dimension, as he offers them a platform to build play from the deep, unlike Casemiro, but he also fulfills his defensive duties in helping out his full-backs and defenders during their attacking forays.

The soon returning Brazilian would find it hard to break back into the team, as Llorente started his third successive game, completing a good 45 before being subbed off by Solari, who must've had the clash against Huesca in mind.

#2 Melilla were tired

Real Madrid ran Melilla players into the ground, but the visitors looked tired from the first whistle

Melilla players had to take a 12 hour ferry ride, followed by a 3-hour bus trip to get from their home to Madrid's, and the traveling certainly took it's toll, as the visitors were ripped to shreds by the home side and their abundance of energy.

Real players hounded down Melilla, never allowing them a moment of respite, and were constantly looking to exploit the gaps left at the back by the brave visitors, who valiantly tried to attack every chance they got.

The home side ran circles around their guests, making every chance count, punishing every mistake. Melilla's players and coaches will just be glad about the fact that this tie is over, and they can now focus on their league campaign.

#3 Asensio and Isco hit their stride

Asensio huddled by his teammates after scoring his second goal of the night

Marco Asensio has had an extremely poor run of form since before Solari took over, but his fortunes seem to have taken a turn for the better, as the Spanish playmaker found his golden touch, scoring twice whilst laying on Javier Sanchez.

He was deployed on the right flank, but was given freedom to float across the front, causing panic for the visiting defense. He had a hand in three goals, but could've gone on and grabbed more than a hat trick tonight, and he was looking full of confidence, looking much more like the player we all know he can be than the one he has been in recent weeks.

Isco started his first game under Solari, and his first ever as captain of the club, just showcasing how quickly fortunes change in football. The Andalusian scored twice on the night, both goals of majestic quality, and his every move was cheered on by the Bernabeu crowd.

The player has failed to step up since Cristiano's departure, and he was recently linked with moves away from the club, but tonight's performance may have convinced Solari to give him more chances, cause on his night, there are few better players on the planet than Isco.

#4 The kids

Vinicius scored his first goal for the club tonight, showcasing the best of his traits

Real Madrid's squad is looking stronger with every viewing, with youngsters like Javi Sanchez, Fede Valverde, Odriozola, Vinicius, and Regulion all impressing every time they step onto the pitch.

Solari, unlike his predecessor, has placed a lot of faith in the youth at the club, and his faith is being repaid in fine fashion, with the kids performing excellently, and despite making an odd error here and there, have become a consistent source of joy for the club's fans in this transitional phase.

Vinicius started his first game in front of the Bernabeu faithful, who were not disappointed as the Brazilian teenager showcased his best traits, running aggressively with the ball, trying to take on players and beating them, all whilst occupying defenders attention to free up spaces for others to attack and capitalise.

Javi Sanchez looks more assured every time he dons the white, and barring his error to give away the penalty, he was very impressive alongside Vallejo, and both youngsters had a great game at the heart of the defence.