Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari opted to back youth for the second leg of his side's Copa del Rey tie with third division outfit UD Melilla, which was vindicated, as many academy prospects racked up some valuable senior minutes for the club.

Leader of the rout was Marco Asensio; having been in and around the first team for some years now, Asensio showed just why he is so highly regarded in the Spanish capital, by running the show for the hosts.

Visitiors UD Melilla set out to show a good account of themselves, and even managed to trouble the Madrid back line early on with a few efforts on goal.

However, ultimately, the quality of the hosts would pay off, as they were 3-0 up by the interval.

A sublime solo effort from Marco Asensio opened the scoring for the hosts; he weaved through the entire visiting defense, before curling a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Soon after, the home supporters would be celebrating once again, as Asensio began and finished a slick attacking move, to make it two goals in as many minutes.

Then, just as the first half was drawing to a close, Asensio would add an assist to his dazzling first half display.

He sent a floated ball over the top of the Melilla defense towards centre half Javi Sanchez, who gleefully prodded home his first senior goal for 'Los Blancos'.

A half time score line of three goals to nil was almost unfair on the hosts, as they had arguably been wasteful in front of goal, in spite of being three strikes to the good.

Brazilian Vinicius Junior was the main culprit, as he himself could have had a hat-trick before the interval.

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The hosts would continue in the same attacking vein after the interval, as only two minutes had passed before they would add a fourth to their tally for the afternoon.

Experienced midfielder Isco took aim at goal from the edge of the penalty area, and produced a simply stunning strike; curling the ball over the out-stretched arm of visiting stopper Pedro Moreno, to bring the home fans to their feet once more.

After a rapid-fire start to the second half, the play calmed somewhat, as the hosts were content to control the possesion and sit back on their 8-0 aggregate lead.

Visitors UD Melilla still continued to fight and press the play when they could, although it was clear that they were keen not to allow their tormentors to add to their already large goals haul.

Nonetheless, Madrid would score a fifth goal fifteeen minutes from time.

In a typical, dynamic dart into the box. Vinicius Junior sliced through the opposition defence, before having not one, but two shots at goal.

Having seen his initial shot saved by Moreno, Vinicius was the first to react, as he slotted the ball into the opposite side of the net.

The goal was a much deserved one for the young Brazilian, who had threatened all afternoon but had previously lacked the composure to make his mark on the score sheet.

It was not all doom and gloom for the visitors, as despite shipping five goals, they had the determination to keep threatening the Madrid box, which eventually produced a reward.

Hosts defender Sanchez committed a clumsy challenge when trying to stop Yacine going through on goal, and the referee rightly awarded the guests a spot kick.

Striker Yacine stepped up; giving Navas the eyes and sending him the wrong way, to hit the back of the net, and ensure that his side took a souvenir away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Although the scoreline was 5-1 on the night and (9-1 on aggregate) there would be a final goa to cheer for the hoem supporters.

Once more, Isco was in the right place at the right time, to receive a low cross from youngster Fidalgo, and slot the ball under the keeper and into the bottom corner.

Not be matched, marco Asensio had one late effort towards taking the match ball home. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, a combination of the linesman's flag and the cross bar would deny him a well earned hat-trick.

December 6, 2018

Overall, the miriad of Madrid youth players showed exactly why they have come through the ranks at one of the best clubs in the world, as they were far too good for their opponents.

The pick of the performances came from Marco Asensio, who will be encouraged to go on to do even better, and emulate his status as heir to former 'Los Blancos' talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

Minnows Melilla should not be too disheartened by the hammering that they recieved at the hands of the European champions in training, as many better teams have come to the Santiago Bernabeu and been totally blown away.

And so, Madrid advance to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey yet again, while Melilla must refocus their efforts on their promotion push to the second division, for the remainder of the campaign.

Javi Sánchez

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