Copa del Rey
Arbeloa’s Fresh Start: Arda Güler Returns and Sitéro Gets a Breakthrough Moment
Real Madrid begin their first match under Álvaro Arbeloa in a Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Alavés. Arda Güler returns to the starting lineup for the first time in three games, while David Jiménez starts again and Jorge Sitéro earns his first start. The squad list features Lunin in goal and a defense trio with Asensio, Jiménez, Huisen and Carreras, plus a midfield trio of Valverde, Kaestro and Arda Güler, with Mastantonuno, Gonzalo García and Vinícius Junior leading the attack. Several big names are rested or sidelined due to injuries, signaling Arbeloa’s early plans for the season. Expect both experimentation and ambition in this Cup tie, with a cheeky nod to a few surprises along the way.