Real Madrid welcome third tier side Olimpic de Xativa to the Bernabeu in the second leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash on Wednesday night, after the minnows held the European giants to a stalemate in the reverse fixture in Valencia.
Carlo Ancelotti decided not to field some of his big players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Xabi Alonso, that night and gave starts to some of Real's fringe players and youngsters, including Iker Casillas, Nacho Fernandez, Alvaro Arbeloa, Casemiro, Angel di Maria, Jese and Alvaro Morata.
However, Olimpic's fighting performance on their home turf, coupled with Real's lackluster display in front to goal that night, meant the game ended in a dull 0-0 draw. The highly rated forward Morata, previously linked with a January move to both Arsenal and Tottenham, was the biggest disappointment in that game, as the youngster missed several chances and gave away possession multiple times.
Real are currently just five points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the La Liga and remain unbeaten in the Champions League campaign. However, they have lost a bit of steam of late and have won just one of their last three matches in all competitions. The Meringues will now be keen on sealing a spot in the last 16 of the cup with a strong performance against Xativa at the Bernabeu tonight.
Olimpic, on the other hand, are ninth in the Segunda B Group 3 table, 14 points off the pace but are unbeaten since October. However, they will head into this match against the European heavyweights as massive underdogs.
Where to Watch Live
The game is scheduled for a 2.00 am IST start on Wednesday morning, with no live coverage in India. Viewers in the U.S. can live stream the match HERE. Middle East and North Africa viewers click HERE.
Expected lineups: Real: Casillas; Arbeloa, Nacho, Varane, Coentrao; Alonso, Illarramendi; Jese, Modric, Roanldo; Benzema
Olimpic: Francis; Belda, Alcazar, Sanchiz, Peris, Palop; Mosquera, Marenya, Rifaterra, Samu; Moya
Prediction: 7-0 to Real
