Three observations from Real Madrid’s 5-0 win vs Deportiva Minera

Real Madrid maintained their strong form in a resounding 5-0 win over fourth-division side Deportiva Minera in the Copa Del Rey round of 32 on Monday night. In a game that was never really in doubt, they scored five goals but they could have had 10 more. Here are three very quick observations from the game:

Fede Valverde played well… but why did he play at all?

Fede Valverde has started every single game this season, and you would be hard-pressed to find a game where he actually got a full rest. Even when he is not starting, he comes off the bench to see out the win or try to turn a losing situation into something positive. He has not been left on the bench for a full game since Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Granada in May 2024. That was also the only game all season where that was the case.

Valverde is an immaculate human being and a brilliant football player who is also relentless and durable. But, even he needs some rest. Even though there were no casualties from the game — Valverde even scored the opening goal for Real Madrid — it was highly possible Real Madrid would have won the game without needing Valverde’s talents.

It is necessary to give such an important player like him some rest. Having players like Chema or Dani Ceballos start in his place would not have had a big difference in the result.

Still, Valverde played quite well, but everyone knew that was going to happen. Mr Reliable.

Endrick did everything but score

Endrick had a tough night, and it was not because of a lack of confidence, or because of wrong decision making. In fact, whatever he could control, he did; Endrick generally played a good game. His passing was good, he was involved in the game and was using his frame to bully defenders on a few occasions.

The end product was what was missing, and it was due to no real fault of his own. Deportivo Minera goalkeeper Fran Martinez — an ex Real Madrid academy player in 2016 — made 17 saves on the night, and five of them were on Endrick’s attempts at goal. Endrick actually had a good statistical game — which is what was expected, as he was facing a fourth-division side — but he just could not find the back of the net as each time he came close, Martinez became the second-coming of Endrick’s Belgian teammate Thibaut Courtois.