All the information you need to watch the Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie between Alcoyano and Real Madrid on Wednesday 5 January 2022.
The top seeds are set to enter the Copa del Rey at the Last 16 stage which sees Alcoyano play host to one of the favourites to win the tournament, Real Madrid. Madrid are no strangers to Alcoyano, who play in Spain’s third tier - they famously dumped Los Blancos out of the Cup at the same stage last year, beating their illustrious opponents 2-1 in stoppage time. This will be their third meeting in the tournament, Madrid had the upper hand when they were drawn in the Round of 32 in 2012/13, comfortably winning 7-1 over two legs.
Alcoyano vs Real Madrid live
Vicente Parras’ team already been on a bit of a giant-killing spree this season, having eliminated Levante in the last round in a thrilling, six-goal encounter which was decided from the penalty spot. With Ancelotti’s team visiting, there is the prospect of another magical Cup night at El Collao and Alcoyano would love nothing more than to add the 19-time winners to their list of scalps. The team has moved up a division since last year’s Alcoyanazo and currently sit mid-table in Group II of the Primera Footters league.
For Real Madrid, the Copa is a little further down their list of priorities - that’s not to say that they won’t be taking the competition seriously. Ancelotti said on the eve of the game that he will be fielding his strongest available XI and the objective, as always, is to go all the way and lift the trophy. The last time they managed to do that was in 2014 - only the club’s third Copa triumph in 30 years.
Alcoyano vs Real Madrid team news
Before the game, Vicente Parras described Wednesday’s clash as, “a classic Cup tie between a modest, humble side, on home turf with the stadium packed to the rafters with expectant fans” - completely the opposite to last year’s tie which was played behind closed doors. He gave very little away about what side he will be putting out against Madrid, not that he is spoilt for choice - he has just 20 players in his squad and his line-up will be similar to the one that beat Madrid 12 months ago. Legendary goalkeeper José Juan, the hero of the shootout in the last round and who turned 42 just a few days ago, is certain to start with his deputy Tomaz Stopajnik on the bench. “Each and every one of them is a hero for me, whoever ends up in the photo on the back pages of the sports press,” Parras proudly told reporters in Tuesday's press briefing.
Ancelotti meanwhile hopes that his players have now switched off holiday mode and are fully focused. He confirmed that Benzema, Modric and Mendy are still recovering from twinges picked during the 1-0 defeat to Getafe - the team’s first outing after the Christmas break; Gareth Bale has been feeling a little under the weather so he too will stay at home. Thibaut Courtois is the only first team player who the coach has consciously decided to rest, he makes way to let Andriy Lunin enjoy his first appearance of the season. Otherwise, Madrid will be travelling to the east coast with a reasonably strong squad with just four players who are not part of the first team - goalkeepers Toni Fuidias and Diego, plus Rafa Marín and Peter.
What time does Alcoyano vs Real Madrid kick off?
The 2021/22 Copa del Rey Last 16 tie between Alcoyano and Real Madrid will be played at El Collao, in Alcoy on Wednesday 5 January with kick-off at 3:30pm ET / 12:30pm PT.
That’s 21:30 hours local time CET and 8:30 pm GMT in the UK.
Find out what time the 2021/22 Copa del Rey Last 16 tie between Alcoyano and Real Madrid kicks off wherever you are in the world.
Where can I watch Alcoyano vs Real Madrid in the US and UK?
In the US and UK, the following television channels and online services will be broadcasting Alcoyano vs Real Madrid:
United States: ESPN+
United Kingdom: Premier Player HD, Premier Sports 1
Spain: DAZN, TeleCinco
Find out who is showing Alcoyano vs Real Madrid around in the world.
Alcoyano vs Real Madrid: live AS USA coverage
You’ll also be able to follow live-text coverage of Alcoyano vs Real Madrid right here at AS USA. We'll be building up to the game from about an hour ahead of kick-off, before taking you through the action as it unfolds.