THE Real Madrid face Elche, this Thursday, away from home, for the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. The match will be held at the Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium, at 15:00 (Brasília time).
The team led by Carlo Ancelotti, who won the Spanish Super Cup, will not be able to count on the Brazilian defender Éder Militão, who is suspended. In addition to him, right-back Daniel Carvajal is recovering from covid-19, while midfielder Marco Asensio and striker Mariano Díaz are injured. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois felt unwell, and striker Karim Benzema will be spared.
The big news on the coach’s list was the name of winger Gareth Bale. The 32-year-old Welshman has not been listed by Real since 28 August 2021.
Barcelona plays in the Basque Country
Also this Thursday, but at 17:30 (Brasília time), the Barcelona visit the Athletic Bilbao, for the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, at San Mamés Stadium. The Catalonia team will have five absences. Defenders Samuel Umtiti and Eric Garcia, midfielder Sergi Roberto and striker Martin Braithwaite are recovering from injury. In addition to them, striker Luuk de Jong is suspended.
During a press conference, Xavi Hernández praised Marcelino’s work in charge of Athletic Bilbao, runner-up in the Spanish Super Cup.
“It’s a very intense rival, with a coach who works very well. I have already said that he is one of the best coaches in Spanish football in recent years, he has a very clear idea of the game. It will require a lot of quality in our ball output, they exploit counterattacks a lot. It could be one of the best generations of Athletic in recent years. It will be difficult, even more playing in the opponent’s field in a single match”, he pointed out.
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