Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal could miss the Copa del Rey clash against Cadiz Reuters

Real Madrid begin their Copa del Rey campaign with a trip to the south of Spain to face Cadiz at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza on 2 December.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 9pm GMT. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.

Overview

Cadiz are on an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions extending back to October. The third-tier outfit last faced Real Madrid when they were in the Spanish top-flight in 2005/06, losing both La Liga fixtures at an aggregate score of 5-2.

Midfielder Alvaro Garcia is available to start against Real despite suffering a swollen ankle in the win over Almeria B on 28 November.

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has seen his side secure back-to-back victories after the damaging 4-0 defeat against Barcelona on 21 November. Gareth Bale scored his first goal in club football since August and Cristiano Ronaldo netted a penalty to down Eibar at the weekend.

Defenders Rafael Varane, Marcelo (both thigh) and Sergio Ramos (shoulder) are all sidelined for the visit, while Dani Carvajal (leg) could also miss out.

What managers say

Claudio Barragan: "It was a game like we imagined from the outset, a team that was going to be very organised away from home. The team has tried in every way [against Almeria B] and I think the result is fair."

Rafael Benitez: "Getting the three points [against Eibar] and doing so with such a willingness to dig in was important. The key to maintaining that strength in the future is that the team show that same level of sacrifice, hard work, intensity and effort. It's November and there's still loads of time to go. We have a great team and we're going to fight to win every game from here until the end of the season."

Form guide

  • Cadiz: WDWDW
  • Last result: Cadiz 1-0 Almeria B
  • Real Madrid (all competitions): WWLLW
  • Last result: Eibar 0-2 Real Madrid

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Cadiz win: 8
  • Draw: 9/2
  • Real Madrid win: 3/10

Team news

Cadiz possible XI: Alberto; Aridane, Servando, Juanjo, Andres; Abel, Quintana, Machado, Abel; Pla, Guiza

Real Madrid possible XI: Casilla; Danilo, Pepe, Nacho, Arbeloa; Kovacic, Casemiro, Modric; Rodriguez, Benzema, Isco