On Tuesday, a significantly altered Real Madrid team needed just one outstanding Rodrygo goal to defeat Cacereno of the fourth division and advance to the Copa del Rey round of 16.
Cacereno, who compete in the Segunda Federacion, more than held their own but the European and LaLiga champions, who had nine changes made by Carlo Ancelotti after Friday's triumph over Real Valladolid, looked unimpressive.
However, Rodrygo's jinking move onto his right foot and arrowing shot into the top right corner in the 69th minute was enough to secure Madrid's victory. Madrid still has a chance to win its first Copa del Rey since the 2013–14 season and 20th overall, but they had to work hard for the victory.
The game's first shot on goal didn't come until the 16th minute when Dani Ceballos sent a soft long-range attempt into Cacereno goalkeeper Ivan Moreno's ready hands.
During the first half, the underdogs mostly kept their rivals at bay while also making a few attempts of their own. David Grande tested Andriy Lunin before Carmelo Merenciano had a shot deflected over the crossbar.
Cacereno continued to appear more dangerous than the other team, despite Marco Asensio's fierce drive stinging Moreno's hands. Ancelotti made two changes at the break, but they had little effect.
Rodrygo's brilliant curling effort into the goal after a frantic dash into the box gave Madrid the quality moment they were looking for. Despite some late pressure, Ancelotti's team would not give up the lead, and they advanced to the next round.
CHANGES MADE BY ANCELOTTI ALMOST CAME BACK TO HAUNT HIM.
As a number of Ancelotti's adjustments promised to be costly, Cacereno battled Madrid all the way to the next round.
Nine shots were taken by the fourth-place team, compared to just seven by the 14-time European winners. In addition, they completed 222 passes in the opponent's half as opposed to 180 for Madrid.
THE VALIANT RODRYGO
Madrid can be grateful to Rodrygo for his magnificent run and finish to win the tie since Cacereno were unable to muster the same level of brilliance.
With a team-high seven touches in the opposition box and two shots, the Brazil international had a strong game. No Madrid player had more shots than the Brazilian's two.
HAZARD STAYED SILENT.
Eden Hazard's displeasure increased as he was unable to dominate the game. The former Belgium international was replaced by Ancelotti in the 68th minute after failing to make a shot or even make contact with Cacereno's penalty area.
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