Real Madrid secures Copa del Rey's last-32 advancement through Rodrygo's late goal against Cacereno.
Real Madrid Secures Copa del Rey Victory Against CP Cacereño
Real Madrid claimed victory in the Copa del Rey against lower-tier side CP Cacereño on January 4, 2023, marking their first win in the competition since 2014. The match, played at a congested stadium, saw little activity in the opening period and remained 0-0 during the break.
In the second half, Rodrygo broke the deadlock with a goal in the 69th minute. The Brazilian forward celebrated his strike by honoring the late Pele, replicating his iconic punch in the air. Cacereño attempted a late comeback, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and the match ended with a 1-0 win for Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, made several changes to the team that had recently defeated Genuine Valladolid. Key players such as Karim Benzema and Vinícius Junior were rested, while Rodrygo was included in the starting lineup. The second-string side proved to be more than capable of securing the victory against their lower-division opponents.
While the specifics of Real Madrid's defensive strategy and CP Cacereño's late pressing pressure are not extensively documented, it is clear that Real Madrid successfully preserved their lead to progress in the competition. For a more detailed account of the match, including exact lineup changes, goal details, and the nature of Cacereño's late press, official match reports from that date (e.g., Real Madrid's official website, LaLiga, or major sports news archives) would be necessary.
Regardless, the victory was a welcome addition to Real Madrid's trophy cabinet, and they will no doubt be looking to build on this success as they continue their pursuit of silverware this season.
The victory against CP Cacereño in the Copa del Rey was a significant step for Real Madrid in their pursuit of European-leagues glory, as it marked their first win in the competition since 2014. The goal scored by Rodrygo in the second half, reminiscent of Pele's iconic celebration, ensured a 1-0 win for the LaLiga powerhouse.