In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Real Madrid secured a decisive 5-0 victory against the fourth-division team Deportiva Minera during the Copa Del Rey round of 32 on Monday night. The match showcased Real Madrid’s attacking prowess, with the team finding the back of the net five times. However, it’s noteworthy that they could have easily scored at least ten goals if not for some missed opportunities. Below are three key takeaways from this impressive performance:

Understanding Fede Valverde’s Continuous Play: The Importance of Rest for Key Players

Fede Valverde has been a stalwart for Real Madrid, starting in every match this season, demonstrating incredible stamina and commitment. Finding a game where he received a complete rest is quite challenging. Even when not in the starting lineup, he contributes significantly by coming off the bench to either secure a win or turn the tide in crucial moments. His last complete rest was during a commanding 4-0 win over Granada in May 2024. This consistent involvement underlines his importance, yet raises the question: shouldn’t such a vital player get some much-needed rest?

Despite Valverde’s brilliant performances and even scoring the opening goal against Minera, the coach could have opted to rest him without jeopardizing the match outcome. Real Madrid’s depth in talent means players like Chema or Dani Ceballos could effectively fill in without a noticeable dip in performance. Valverde is undoubtedly a valuable asset, but managing his workload is essential for maintaining his peak performance throughout the season.

Resting key players like Valverde is crucial for their long-term health and effectiveness. While he performed admirably, it’s critical to consider the broader context of the season and the potential need for rotation to keep all players fresh and ready for future challenges. His reliability is commendable, but strategic resting could benefit both him and the team.

Valverde’s performance was expectedly solid, reaffirming his status as a dependable player. Nonetheless, the question remains why he was required to play in such a lopsided match when others could have stepped in.

Endrick’s Performance: Showcasing Skill Despite Missing Goals

Endrick faced a challenging night on the pitch, not due to a lack of confidence or poor decision-making, but because he was unable to convert his efforts into goals. His overall gameplay was commendable, demonstrating good passing skills and actively engaging in the game. He used his physicality effectively to challenge defenders, making notable contributions throughout the match.

The only missing element in his otherwise strong performance was the goal itself, which was not for lack of trying. Deportivo Minera’s goalkeeper, Fran Martinez, a former Real Madrid academy player, had an outstanding night, making 17 saves, five of which came from Endrick’s targeted shots. His statistics reflected a solid performance against a lower-division team, yet finding the back of the net remained elusive, as Martinez channeled his inner Thibaut Courtois to thwart him at every opportunity.

Endrick’s need for a goal extends beyond just capping off a strong display; it’s vital for his confidence and future development. While he showcased promise, the absence of a goal could impact his momentum. However, his talent and potential warrant more playing time, particularly as he adapts to the demands of higher-level competition.

Evaluating Real Madrid’s Right-Back Situation: Young Talents Making Their Mark

During the match, Real Madrid fielded a defensive lineup comprised of Fabrica players, with Lorenzo Aguado, Raul Asencio, Diego Aguado, and Fran Garcia all stepping onto the field for the first team. Notably, some of them made their first-team debuts, showcasing the club’s commitment to integrating younger talent into the squad.

Lorenzo Aguado stood out with an impressive performance, consistently posing a threat to Minera’s defense. His ability to provide width and create opportunities was evident, even if his crossing was an area needing improvement. Overall, he contributed significantly to the team’s attack and demonstrated the potential that younger players bring to Real Madrid.

This raises questions about the club’s decision-making regarding player selection. For instance, should Jesus Fortea have been called up? Fortea is only a month younger than Diego Aguado and has experience playing against lower-division teams for Real Madrid C. Not utilizing such a skilled player for match situations like this seems puzzling.

It’s unclear why Fortea wasn’t included in the lineup, even if not as a starter. His talent and potential contributions could have been beneficial to the team. This decision merits further consideration as Real Madrid navigates the integration of youth into their established framework.