Analysis
Los Blancos are hoping it will not end quickly like three seasons ago when Alcorcon provided the shock of the tournament. It was at this same stage (Copa del Rey Round of 32) that the Spanish giants suffered a stunning 4-0 loss. At the Santiago Bernabeu, they could only achieve a 1-0 win - far from what was mathematically required to turn around the horror. The year after, Real Madrid came back stronger and became kings of Spain at the expense of runners-up Barcelona.
Last year, they lost their Copa del Rey title to the Catalans. This term, Jose Mourinho is keen to exhibit his cup expertise. His players responded positively after stumbling to their German soil curse a week ago in the Champions League. They went into their game against Real Mallorca 11 points behind current La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Overcoming the pressure, they put five goals past their opponents to cut the gap back to eight points. Real Madrid still have a lot to do in the league but their mindset is in good shape ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey fixture. Cristiano Ronaldo is firing on all cylinders as his pursuit of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or is on. Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema are also reliable strikers.
Alcoyano are no match for Real Madrid on paper. They have not participated in Spain’s Primera Division since the 1950/51 season. However, they are in excellent form having won each of their last six matches. It would be totally wrong for Real Madrid to underestimate them.
Jose Mourinho has no fresh injury worries ahead of the game so he could rest a number of stars. The Portuguese manager may opt to give fringe players a chance but caution will be required. Without Fabio Coentrao, Alvaro Arbeloa, Sami Khedira and Marcelo who are yet to recover, Real Madrid lack strength at the back. Meanwhile, Alcoyano have promised to line-up their strongest squad.
Alcoyano’s last five matches (all in the Segunda B Division)
October 7, 2012: Alcoyano 1-0 A. Prat
October 10, 2012: Reus 0-2 Alcoyano
October 14, 2012: Alcoyano 2-0 S. Andreu
October 21, 2012: Llagostera 1-2 Alcoyano
October 27, 2012: Alcoyano 2-1 Constancia
Real Madrid’s last five matches
October 3, 2012: Ajax 1-4 Real Madrid (UEFA Champions League)
October 7, 2012: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
October 20, 2012: Real Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo (La Liga)
October 24, 2012: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid (UEFA Champions League)
October 28, 2012: Real Mallorca 0-5 Real Madrid (La Liga)
Prediction
Alcoyano are perfect underdogs but they may embarrass Real Madrid’s defence a few times. However, Los Blancos will have a strong bench for the match. In case of trouble, Jose Mourinho might have enough time to restructure his formation and escape an upset.
Result: Alcoyano 2-4 Real Madrid
