Copa del Rey 2009
Real Madrid
vs
Alcorcon
Match Schedule:
Date: October 27th
Time: 20:00 (GMT)
Real Madrid
vs
Alcorcon
Match Schedule:
Date: October 27th
Time: 20:00 (GMT)
Steeped in history, the Copa del Rey is, for Spain’s domestic teams and especially those who do not have a legitimate shot at the Primera title or European success, one of the most prestigious trophies of the season.
The competition format includes teams from the Primera Division, Segunda A, about 23 teams from the Segunda B and the Tercera Division champions (or runners-up if the champion is a reserve team) - all of which are permitted entry.
Having fought their way through the preliminary rounds of the competition, Segunda B side AD Alcorcon—a small club based in the modest city of Alcorcon in the autonomous community of Madrid, have progressed far enough into the competition to merit a berth in the Round of 32.
And for one day in its history, the Estadio Municipal de Santo Domingo will be the centre of the galaxy. Having drawn mighty Real Madrid as their opponents, the tiny provincial side has the opportunity to showcase their football on a grand stage.
Copa Del Throwaway
For Real Madrid, the Copa del Rey competition is the least sought after and, between the Champions League title and the Liga crown, the domestic cup usually takes a backseat.
With their last title in the competition coming way back in 1993, Los Blancos have been known to make quick and early exits from the Copa, most recently an embarrassing dismissal from Segunda B side Real Union last year in a two-legged affair that saw the potential end of young starlet Ruben De La Red’s promising career and led to the demise of then-coach Bernd Schuster.
This year, however, with Barcelona taking the triplete of the Liga title, Champions League trophy, and the Copa del Rey crown, the pressure is mounting on Real Madrid to do well in this year’s competition. Further, having been dealt two losses and a draw in their past four matches, Madrid can't afford a disappointing result against their south-western neighbours.
The competition format includes teams from the Primera Division, Segunda A, about 23 teams from the Segunda B and the Tercera Division champions (or runners-up if the champion is a reserve team) - all of which are permitted entry.
Having fought their way through the preliminary rounds of the competition, Segunda B side AD Alcorcon—a small club based in the modest city of Alcorcon in the autonomous community of Madrid, have progressed far enough into the competition to merit a berth in the Round of 32.
And for one day in its history, the Estadio Municipal de Santo Domingo will be the centre of the galaxy. Having drawn mighty Real Madrid as their opponents, the tiny provincial side has the opportunity to showcase their football on a grand stage.
Copa Del Throwaway
For Real Madrid, the Copa del Rey competition is the least sought after and, between the Champions League title and the Liga crown, the domestic cup usually takes a backseat.
With their last title in the competition coming way back in 1993, Los Blancos have been known to make quick and early exits from the Copa, most recently an embarrassing dismissal from Segunda B side Real Union last year in a two-legged affair that saw the potential end of young starlet Ruben De La Red’s promising career and led to the demise of then-coach Bernd Schuster.
This year, however, with Barcelona taking the triplete of the Liga title, Champions League trophy, and the Copa del Rey crown, the pressure is mounting on Real Madrid to do well in this year’s competition. Further, having been dealt two losses and a draw in their past four matches, Madrid can't afford a disappointing result against their south-western neighbours.
TEAM NEWS
Alcorcon
The Estadio Municipal de Santo Domingo will be buzzing in Alcorcon’s biggest match of the season and the stadium will be filled to capacity with what is sure to be a raucous 4,000 fans. Madrid are used to far larger stadiums, but that is unlikely to make the venue any less hostile as the minnows take on the sharks.
Some members of the Alorcon squad have also admitted to being strong Real Madrid supporters, but for Tuesday’s match there are no friends to be made.
Probable Starting XI (4-5-1): Juanma – Gomez, Bermudez, Sanchez, Lopez – More, Vara, Mora, Jeremy, Alberdi – Bravo
Real Madrid
The Copa del Rey has been a competition in which the second-string players as well as members of the cantera are given a chance to shine. However, Madrid’s squad is a bit thin due to a plague of recent injuries. The most problematic injury is in the backline as a knock to Ezequiel Garay may force starter Raul Albiol into the match to partner with the newly recuperated Christoph Meztelder.
The midfield is also somewhat problematic as Xabi Alonso and Kaka’s accumulated minutes may see them rested for the midweek encounter. Having been unfit for the past two matches, Gonzalo Higuain will likely make his return and could partner Javier Acuna upfront, the promising Paraguayan striker from the youth ranks who has yet to see minutes with the first team.
Probable Starting XI (4-2-2-2): Dudek – Arbeloa, Albiol, Metzelder, Drenthe – Gago, Diarra – Guti, Van der Vaart – Acuna, Higuain
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alcorcon – Juanma
Facing the mighty Real Madrid, the Alcorcon goalkeeper will likely have his hands, quite literally, full. The Segunda B outfit will need strong saves and visionary distribution from their goalkeeper in order to pull off the upset.
Real Madrid – Rafa Van Der Vaart
With Kaka likely to be rested, Van Der Vaart will likely take over the attacking responsibilities in the midfield. With the departures of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder during the summer, the Dutchman was on the out and out in Manuel Pellegrini’s eyes. However, a threatening display in the closing minutes of Madrid’s Liga match against Sporting could have set the table for the Dutchman to begin earning his keep in the Blanco lineup.
Alcorcon
The Estadio Municipal de Santo Domingo will be buzzing in Alcorcon’s biggest match of the season and the stadium will be filled to capacity with what is sure to be a raucous 4,000 fans. Madrid are used to far larger stadiums, but that is unlikely to make the venue any less hostile as the minnows take on the sharks.
Some members of the Alorcon squad have also admitted to being strong Real Madrid supporters, but for Tuesday’s match there are no friends to be made.
Probable Starting XI (4-5-1): Juanma – Gomez, Bermudez, Sanchez, Lopez – More, Vara, Mora, Jeremy, Alberdi – Bravo
Real Madrid
The Copa del Rey has been a competition in which the second-string players as well as members of the cantera are given a chance to shine. However, Madrid’s squad is a bit thin due to a plague of recent injuries. The most problematic injury is in the backline as a knock to Ezequiel Garay may force starter Raul Albiol into the match to partner with the newly recuperated Christoph Meztelder.
The midfield is also somewhat problematic as Xabi Alonso and Kaka’s accumulated minutes may see them rested for the midweek encounter. Having been unfit for the past two matches, Gonzalo Higuain will likely make his return and could partner Javier Acuna upfront, the promising Paraguayan striker from the youth ranks who has yet to see minutes with the first team.
Probable Starting XI (4-2-2-2): Dudek – Arbeloa, Albiol, Metzelder, Drenthe – Gago, Diarra – Guti, Van der Vaart – Acuna, Higuain
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alcorcon – Juanma
Facing the mighty Real Madrid, the Alcorcon goalkeeper will likely have his hands, quite literally, full. The Segunda B outfit will need strong saves and visionary distribution from their goalkeeper in order to pull off the upset.
Real Madrid – Rafa Van Der Vaart
With Kaka likely to be rested, Van Der Vaart will likely take over the attacking responsibilities in the midfield. With the departures of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder during the summer, the Dutchman was on the out and out in Manuel Pellegrini’s eyes. However, a threatening display in the closing minutes of Madrid’s Liga match against Sporting could have set the table for the Dutchman to begin earning his keep in the Blanco lineup.
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