Real Madrid’s Stars Rest as 18-Year-Old Wonderkid Faces “Now or Never” Moment: 111 Days Without a Goal

In the third round of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid will travel to face humble opponents Minera at 2 AM Beijing time on January 7. This matchup, theoretically the easiest of the season for Los Blancos, offers a golden opportunity for some of the squad’s fringe players to shine. Among them, all eyes will be on 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy Endrick, who has been given a rare chance to prove his worth.

A David vs. Goliath Encounter

Minera, a modest club with nearly a century of history, is competing in Spain’s fourth-tier league for the first time this season. They have never played in La Liga or even the Segunda División. This is their first encounter with Real Madrid, the most decorated club in football history.

The disparity between the two sides couldn’t be starker, making this a dream opportunity for Minera and a pressure-free environment for Madrid’s reserves to find their rhythm. Spanish outlets Marca and AS predict that Carlo Ancelotti will rotate heavily, resting superstars like Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham.

Endrick’s Moment of Truth

Endrick is expected to start, and this match is being framed as his “now or never” moment by AS. Since joining Real Madrid last summer, the Brazilian forward has had a rollercoaster start to his European career. He dazzled in his La Liga and Champions League debuts, scoring on both occasions, but his form has since nosedived.

The statistics paint a stark picture: Endrick hasn’t scored in 111 days, with his last goal coming on September 17 during a Champions League match against Stuttgart. Despite making 15 appearances for the club, his total playing time amounts to just 160 minutes. In the last two La Liga matches, Endrick didn’t even make it off the bench.

Why This Match Matters

The Copa del Rey clash against Minera represents a rare opportunity for Endrick to regain confidence and prove his value. If he fails to impress in this low-pressure environment, it’s unlikely Ancelotti will trust him with playing time in the high-stakes arenas of La Liga or the Champions League.

Endrick’s potential is undeniable. He possesses pace, confidence, explosiveness, and solid technical skills. However, adapting to Real Madrid’s complex tactical system has been a challenge for the young forward. For Endrick, this match is not just about scoring goals; it’s about showcasing his ability to integrate into the team’s playing style.

Supporting Cast: Other Fringe Players to Watch

Endrick isn’t the only player with something to prove. Ancelotti is expected to give minutes to other squad players eager to stake their claim. Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will likely start between the posts, while Raúl Asencio is expected to feature in central defense. Turkish midfielder Arda Güler, another young talent, could also make the starting XI.

These players are desperate for opportunities, but none more so than Endrick. As AS highlights, this is his moment to shine and earn Ancelotti’s trust.

Predicted Starting XI

Real Madrid is expected to line up in a rotated formation:

• Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin
• Defenders: Álvaro Odriozola, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raúl Asencio, Fran García
• Midfielders: Arda Güler, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modrić
• Forwards: Brahim Díaz, Endrick, Rodrygo

Commentary: A Test of Patience and Potential

For a club like Real Madrid, where the margin for error is razor-thin, young players like Endrick often face immense pressure to deliver immediately. While the Copa del Rey offers a less demanding stage, the stakes for Endrick couldn’t be higher.

Endrick’s journey is emblematic of the challenges faced by prodigies transitioning to Europe’s elite. His raw talent is evident, but patience and tactical growth are crucial for him to succeed at Real Madrid. A strong performance against Minera could reignite his confidence and remind the world why he was one of the most sought-after young players in football.

As the whistle blows in this David vs. Goliath encounter, all eyes will be on the 18-year-old Brazilian. For Endrick, this isn’t just a match—it’s a defining moment in his young career.