Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make several changes to his usual starting lineup when the reigning Spanish, European and World Cup champions face Deportivo Minera in the Copa del Rey on Monday.

The game is the first of two cup games that Los Blancos have to play this week. There is also a semi-final duel in the Spanish Supercup against RCD Mallorca in three days.

At his pre-match press conference on Sunday, Ancelotti was asked whether his controversial winger Vinicius Jr, who was sent off at Valencia, would play against Deportivo Minera.

And although he didn’t give a yes or no answer, the Italian named two players who didn’t make the trip to the Cartagena region.

“The ones who won’t travel are (Thibaut) Courtois and (Antonio) Rüdiger, who are staying here. The rest all work. I want to give minutes to others who played a little less, but we are convinced that it wasn’t like that.” “Red (card), it was yellow.”

“Tomorrow (Andriy) Lunin will play because Courtois needs to rest and recover well. It is not decided that Lunin will only play in the Copa del Rey,” said Ancelotti, also with regard to the choice of a “cup guardian”.

Ancelotti stressed that Madrid, which is believed to not always take the Spanish Cup seriously, “goes into the Copa del Rey with the same enthusiasm as always because it is an important competition that has given us joy in recent years has”.

“We will respect the opponent, the jersey and the competition. We will try to make the best of it and get through the duel.”

Despite being a staunch critic of the crowded football calendar, Ancelotti only sees a “problem” in the Copa del Rey if his team is not there, “because Madrid are trying to fight in all competitions”.

“Two years ago things were going very well for us, playing in the final of this competition is very nice and the goal, as always, is to reach the final,” he said.

As for the lineup, Lunin is actually in goal while Rüdiger is not used to make way for Raul Asencio.

The academy is partnered with Diego Aguado, meaning that alongside Lorenzo at right-back, two young players are making their senior debuts, while Fran Garcia plays on the other side.

Eduardo Camavinga is the only pivot, with Fede Valverde and Luka Modric in front of him in midfield.

In the attacking line, Endrick gets a rare start as the central number 9, flanked by left wing Brahim Diaz and right back Arda Guler.