Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Albacete | Copa del Rey

Alvaro Arbeloa has announced his first starting lineup as Real Madrid manager, having taken over from Xabi Alonso earlier this week.

The Merengues lock horns with second-division side Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 away at Estadio Carlos Belmonte in a little over an hour, and the starting XI has now been confirmed, with some interesting choices.

The big news is that young midfielder Jorge Cestero , whom Arbeloa considers the best young No. 6 in Spain, starts as the pivot midfielder for Real Madrid .

The La Fabrica product is partnered in the middle of the park with Federico Valverde and Arda Guler.

Meanwhile, another academy prospect David Jimenez gets the nod at right-back while Fran Garcia comes in on the left side in the absence of Alvaro Carreras, who has been rested.

Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio start as the centre-backs, shielding goalkeeper Andriy Lunin , who replaces Thibaut Courtois for the cup tie.

Up top, Gonzalo Garcia starts in attack, with Kylian Mbappe being unavailable. Franco Mastantuono also gets a rare start on the right flank, with Rodrygo also not making the trip. Vinicius Jr. retains his spot on the left wing.

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