Isco, Marcos Asensio score two each as Real Madrid ease into Copa del Rey last 16
Spain internationals Isco and Marcos Asensio impressed on return to starting XI as Real Madrid trounced third division side Melilla 6-1 in their Copa del Rey round of 32 clash, to complete a resounding 10-1 victory on aggregate, and ease into last 16 on Thursday.
Both Isco and Asensio, part of Spain’s faltering World Cup campaign in Russia, had not started any of first seven games under new club manager Santiago Solari but were included in a highly-rotated clash against the third-tier side. And they clearly showed Solari, why they despite the isolation remain s fan-favourite at the Bernabeu.
Solari made as many as 10 changes from the team that defeated Valencia 2-0 to return to winning ways in La Liga after losing 0-3 to Eibar in their previous fixture.
Asensio scored twice in three minutes while debutant Javi Sanchez added another late in the half as Madrid went into the break with a three-goal lead having already pummeled four past Melilla in the first leg of the round of 32 tie.
Midfielder Isco then extended the advantage three minutes into the second half, netting his first since September last year, while Vinicius Jr. scored his maiden goal for the Spanish giants as Madrid strolled into the next round with ease.
Melilla pulled one back two minutes before Vinicius’ strike with Yacine Qasmi netting home a penalty in the 81st minute.
Also Read: Denis Suarez brace propels Barcelona into Copa del Rey round of 16