Real Madrid begins its Copa del Rey adventure and they seem to be taking it pretty lightly as most of their starters wiill be rested for this game against Cadiz. For the local team, this could be a chance to shock La Liga giants for the first time in three games.
The biggest news is that for the first time in many games, no member of the BBC trident will be playing. Benzema, Bale and Cristiano have not been called for this game per Rafa Benitez orders. There are many young players in Real Madrid's roster that hope to make a good impression in Rafa Benitez' eyes.
James Rodriguez is the only regular starter expected to feature in the starting XI for Madrid. After receiving limited playing time and the rumours of him wanting to leave the club becoming more consistant, this could be a good time for the Colombian player to show Benitez and fans what they have been missing.
Los Merengues come into this game with two consecutive wins after their 0-4 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico at home. After that came a 4-3 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and a 2-0 victory over Eibar.
Keylor Navas will leave his spot to Kiko Casilla. It is Madrid's defensive unit which has suffered the most in recent games. They had only allowed four goals in their first ten league games but then Sevilla and Barcelona scored six in the following two, plus another three from Shakhar that almost made Madrid pay a high price.
Dani Carvajal is Madrid's latest victim in the injury list. The Spanish defender will not play in this game or in any match for at least one month. He suffered a thigh injury against Eibar this past Sunday. Marcelo, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane will also be staying at home for this game.
Cadiz will go out in their home stadium looking to take advantage of the many absences that Real Madrid has in its roster. The team is known for being quick and they have what it takes to surprise opponents.
"They are a team that play well, they have speed on the wings and experience in attack. They will undoubtedly give 100 per cent," Benitez claimed.
The last time these two teams met was in the 2004-2005 regular season. Cadiz suffered two defeats back then, but right now they are coming into this game with a six-match unbeaten streak, with three wins and three draws.
In last year's Copa del Rey, Valencia knocked them out in the same Round of 32 with a 5-1 aggregate score, so they want to get past it this time. In this year's pre-season, they were able to tie with Atletico Madrid 1-1. The game will be played at the Ramón de Carranza, a stadium in which Emilio Butragueño, Madrid's sporting director got his first big break playing for the club's second team under Alfredo di Stefano.
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