Cornella – Real Madrid match preview: Los Blancos start Copa title defence

Cornella – Real Madrid match preview: Los Blancos start Copa title defence

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Real Madrid start their title defence in the Copa del Rey as they face third-division side Cornella in the first leg of the last-32 round.

Carlo Ancelotti will take the opportunity to give minutes to some substitutes, such as Keylor Navas, Nacho Fernandez and Chicharito Hernandez.

Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo will most likely rest. Arbeloa could replace the Brazilian at left-back, while Nacho and Raphael Varane could be the centre-back couple.

Ancelotti will also make changes in midfield. The main doubt is whether he will rest Toni Kroos, Luka Modric of both. Asier Illarramendi and Sami Khedira will surely get minutes.

Gareth Bale is still sidelined due to injury, just like Fabio Coentrao and Jese Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, Keylor Navas will have a chance to claim the starting goalkeeper role, as Casillas is also expected to rest.

Cornella have beaten Jaen, Zamora and Leioa so far in the competition, and playing against Real Madrid is a reward for their good work. They will try to repeat what another third-division side five years ago: Alcorcon trashed Los Blancos by 4-0.

Possible line-ups:

Cornella: Segovia; Pere, Marin, Lopez, Israel; Marti, Gomez, Garcia, Boniquet; Munoz, Gallar.

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Rodriguez, Modric, Illarramendi, Isco; Chicharito, Benzema.

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