Welcome to the cfrealmadrid.com. Today we are doing match Preview of Unionistas vs Real Madrid that will be played in Copa Del Rey in the Round of 32. This will be the first match in the Copa Del Rey for Real Madrid. After a good win against Sevilla over the weekend, Real Madrid have a much easier fixture on paper during the week as they take on Unionistas in the Copa Del Rey.
Madrid were knocked out in the semi-finals stage of the competition last season by arch-rivals Barcelona . We will hope that Madrid will do better in this competition to win the title this year. Zinedine Zidane could give a chance to his several younger players in the squad against the Spanish minnows. Let’s discuss the Match Preview in detail:
Unionistas vs Real Madrid-Match Preview:
Zidane has to come up with a strong enough lineup to defeat highly motivated Segunda B team who will be playing the match of their lives against Madrid. As the conditions won’t be easy. On Tuesday, before the game Segunda B experienced a snowfall. The staff tried to clean the pitch as soon as possible as the snow stopped. It will be interesting to see in what conditions Los Blancos will find it when they arrive here.
Unionistas was founded in 2013, they have a training pitch near the shared gym. The pitch does not have any painted lines. Although Real Madrid have offered to play at the Santiago Bernabeu But they have refused. They are hoping that the walls of their modest stadium will help.
This match will be great opportunities for players like Brahim, Jovic, Nacho, Vinicius and Rodrygo. Madrid is looking forward to start this competition with a dominating victory. Real Madrid last won this trophy in 2013-14 season. Valencia is the defending Champions of Copa Del Rey. Real Madrid have won Copa Del Rey 19 times whereas Barcelona claimed this trophy 30 times.
Kick-off timings:
The game will take place on Wednesday, January 22,2020. The game will kick-off at 21:00 CET on Las Pistas del Helmántico.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Areola, and Altube.
Defenders: Carvajal, Militao, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo and Mendy.
Midfielders: Casemiro, Valverde, James and Isco.
Attackers: Benzema, Jovic , Brahim, Lucas, Vinicius Jr., Bale
Predicted Starting line-up:
( 4-3-3 ) Areola-Carvajal, Nacho , Militao, Marcelo-Casemiro,Valverde, James-Bale,Benzema,Vinicius Jr.,
Goalkeeper:
The second choice keeper Alphonse Areola could get the chance ahead of Thibaut Courtois in this cup game. Areola is on the loan spell from Paris Saint Germain. Areola has featured in five matches for Los Blancos and took a single clean sheet from them. The Copa del Rey matches are crucial for him also.
Defenders:
On the flanks, Carvajal is the only player of his position as Odriozola is out of the squad. Militao can play as right back instead of him. For the sake of giving Carvajal a rest, Nacho’s versatility in playing any position in the back could be tried. On the left side, Marcelo could be deployed on the left back position. Éder Militão and Nacho could start as the two centre-backs, with Nacho replacing Raphaël Varane from the weekend’s game.
Midfielders:
Madrid have Casemiro and Valverde who can play on the holding role. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro started in midfield in the win against Sevilla, with Casemiro scoring twice. We could see Federico Valverde returning to the team after serving his suspension. Isco could also start in place of Kroos, while James Rodriguez could play as the furthest forward midfielder in the Real Madrid lineup. Lucas Vazquez can be dropped in the midfield to give Brahim a chance on the right flank.
Attackers:
Luka Jovic could start once again, after putting in a good performance against Sevilla. Vinícius Júnior could start on the left. Gareth Bale is an also option on the right for Zidane, while Brahim Diaz is another alternative. Benzema could come start in the match to find some rhythm for the next matches.
Verdict:
I will definitely go with Real Madrid in this match considering the form and winning mentality of the Los Blancos. That’s all from today Match Preview of Unionistas vs Real Madrid. Until the next time Hala Madrid!
