Real Madrid

True to his word, Jose Mourinho used heavy artillery to try to win Real Madrid's first game in the 2010/11 Copa del Rey, with Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramos and Pepe in the starting lineup alongside Benzema, Albiol and Arbeloa, amongst others. The Whites tried hard, shooting up to 20 times on target (Murcia never did), but earned a 0-0 draw in the end.

Real Madrid set a fast pace to the match, pressurising all over the pitch and forcing the locals to stay in defence. Granero nearly opened up the score on the 29-minute mark with a nice shot that hit the crossbar. The Madridistas frantically tried to score and Albiol came close to netting an opener in the 45th minute, but his shot was off target.

Nothing changed in the second half and Mourinho decided to spice things up by replacing Benzema and Granero with HIguain and Khedira, respectively (62').

Real Madrid had a double chance to score on the 68-minute mark; Ronaldo's free-kick was saved by keeper Hernandez, who immediately had to stretch again to clear a shot by Pedro Leon on the goal-line. Di Maria came on for Ronaldo one minute later and was extremely motivated throughout what remained of the clash.

The Whites had chance after chance on goal, but they were thwarted either by their lack of aim or by the excellent saves from the local goalie. In the end, Real Madrid gave an excellent performance that wasn't rewarded with a winning strike.

Lineups

Real Murcia
Dani Hernández
Gago
Luciano
Amaya
Óscar Sánchez
Carles
Richi
Albiol
Cañadas
Mario Marín 65'
Dani Aquino
Pedro 58'
Kike
Rubén Rosquete 79'

Real Madrid
Casillas
Sergio Ramos
Pepe
Albiol
Arbeloa
Mahamadou Diarra
Pedro León
Canales
Granero
Khedira 63'
Cristiano Ronaldo
Di María 70'
Benzema
Higuaín 63'