Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente and Borja Mayoral all probably expected to play a more relevant role within Real Madrid when the club decided to keep them this summer. However, coach Zinedine Zidane has been using those three players very sparingly and they will have a chance to show they’re ready to play when Real Madrid host Fuenlabrada this Tuesday.
While it’s clear that the return leg between Madrid and Fuenlabrada will be fairly meaningless after Los Blancos secured a 0-2 away win in the first leg, Ceballos and Llorente could be sending a message if they perform well. Mayoral’s case is a bit different as he lacks the experience to replace Benzema if the Frenchman isn’t injured, but Ceballos and Llorente have been playing well when given the chance and could bring something different to the table. Real Madrid’s midfield has been struggling lately and yet Zidane has not trusted these two men yet.
Furthermore, Mateo Kovacic could play again in this match after missing the last two months with a groin injury. Gareth Bale might also play some minutes if Zidane wants him to regain some confidence.
All things considered, this should be an interesting game even if Madrid have a spot in the next round all but secured.