Does Rodrygo play today? Where to watch Albacete vs Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey

Rodrygo will not play today against Albacete, in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. The Brazilian striker is left out of the confirmed Real Madrid lineup for this Wednesday’s clash (14), at Estádio Carlos Belmonte, at Albacete, Espanha. The duel starts at 5pm (Brasília time) and represents the debut of Álvaro Arbeloa as interim coach of the merengue club after the departure of Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid applies significant roster rotation due to the intense sequence of matches and the overloaded medical department. Rodrygo, who played 90 minutes in the recent final of Supercopa of Espanha against Barcelona, was not listed to preserve physical conditions and avoid excessive wear after the period of decisive games. The player’s absence reinforces the bet on youngsters and reserves to seek qualification to the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid confirmed lineup

Real Madrid plays in 4-3-3 with Andriy Lunin in goal. The defense has David Jiménez on the right flank, Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen in central defense, in addition to Fran García on the left.

In midfield, Federico Valverde assumes the captaincy, accompanied by Jorge Cestero and Arda Güler. The attack has Franco Mastantuono on the right wing, Gonzalo García as a center forward and Vinicius Jr. on the left, forming the main offensive trio to overcome the opposing defense.

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Reason for absence of Rodrygo

Rodrygo appears among the main absentees from the list of related players. The striker fully participated in the defeat in the Supercopa final, but the new coach chose to spare him to manage the physical load after the recent effort.

The measure follows the gradual recovery strategy for players who played in high-intensity games. Rodrygo should return to training soon and be available for future commitments in LaLiga and Liga of the Campeões.

Albacete confirmed lineup

Albacete enters with 4-4-2 and Raúl Lizoain in goal. The defense includes Lorenzo Aguado, Javi Moreno, Carlos Neva and Diego Bernabeu.

The midfield brings together Aleix Meléndez, Álex Pacheco, Javi Villar and Capi to balance the sector. In attack, Jaime Villar and Dani Escriche lead the offensive actions. Coach Alberto González Fernández maintains the formation that guaranteed previous advances in the competition.

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Extensive list of Merengues absences

Real Madrid has several confirmed absences for this match. Além of Rodrygo, names like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy,

The club promotes the integration of young people from the base, such as David Jiménez and Joan Martínez, to complete the squad. The approach aims to balance forces and preserve starters for the remainder of the season.

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Where to watch live

The live broadcast on Brasil takes place exclusively on Disney+, the platform that holds the rights to Copa from Rey. Subscribers follow the game in real time.

ge.globo offers minute-by-minute coverage with statistics, main bids and constant updates. The local time in Albacete is 9pm (Espanha time).

Stadium and referee details

The Estádio Carlos Belmonte hosts the match with a capacity for around 17 thousand fans. Referee Victor Garcia Verdura commands the match, with an average number of cards that indicates a moderate physical dispute.

Albacete counts on the support of the local fans to try to eliminate the favorite. Real Madrid needs to impose technical superiority despite the changes in the team.

Expectations of the confrontation

Real Madrid bets on Vinicius Jr. as the main offensive reference in the absence of Rodrygo. The Brazilian’s speed can explore spaces in the opponent’s defense.

Albacete seeks to surprise with defensive organization and quick transitions. Elimination in a single game increases the pressure on both sides.

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Decisive factors

Possession of the ball must remain with Real Madrid most of the time. Creating chances depends on the interaction between young people like Mastantuono and Güler.

Albacete’s defense needs to contain attacks from the wings. Lunin’s performance in goal also influences the final result.