Alcoyano 1-3 Real Madrid: 5 talking points as Los Blancos advance to the last 16 | Copa Del Rey 2021-22

#3. Alcoyano put up a great fight

Nacho in action against Alcoyano (Image: Real Madrid Twitter)

Alcoyano did not allow Real Madrid to have it easy. The hosts made the Spanish giants work hard for their victory. Riding on the back of the fan support at their home stadium Campo Municipal El Collao, Alcoyano gave it everything.

The hosts did not even lose hope after ending the opening half 1-0 down. They returned all guns blazing in the second half, challenged for every duel and showed clear intent.

They were rewarded with a goal which leveled the score. But that wasn't enough.

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#2. Real Madrid rest key players

Karim Benzema got a well deserved rest

Real Madrid excluded Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Thibaut Courtois and Ferland Mendy from the Copa Del Rey squad to give them a much-deserved rest. This allowed youngsters like Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde and Andriy Lunin to have their chances.

It also allowed players like Isco, Marcelo and Mariano to gain some game-time. While some players impressed, others were sub par.

One performance that made a good impression was that of goalkeeper Lunin. The Ukrainian had a good outing and showed that he can be trusted for games in the future.

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#1. Real Madrid avoid embarrassment

Eden Hazard (Image: Real Madrid Twitter)

Real Madrid blew out of the Copa Del Rey campaign last year after losing to Alcoyano in the Round of 32. They drew the same opponents this season but came out on top.

After Alcoyano's equalizer, it looked like Real Madrid could still bow out of the competition. But their resilience ensured they progressed to the last-16.

Carlo Ancelotti has made it evidently clear that he intends on winning the Copa Del Rey.