Ponferradina vs. Real Madrid: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and Schedule

Real Madrid will begin their defense of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday when they take on Ponferradina away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid won this competition last season against rival Barcelona in a thrilling final. Madrid currently lead the La Liga table by three points ahead of Barca with a game in hand. They have been firing on all cylinders this season in every competition.

Ponferradina are not in La Liga BBVA, they are in the Segunda division B. Madrid are heavy favorites in this game, but this game will still be exciting because Jose Mourinho will have the opportunity to play some of his bench and younger players in this game.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this Copa del Rey match!

Where: El Toralin, Ponferradina, Spain

Watch: ESPN Deportes

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

When: Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 2:00 p.m. EST

Player to watch for Real Madrid: Jose Maria Callejon

Jose Maria Callejon is a good young forward who should start or at least get some playing time during this Copa del Rey match with Ponferradina.

Callejon has good speed and is gifted scorer who is composed in the 18-yard box. Callejon has a lot of attacking talent, and it would be unwise not to give him some vital experience in this match.

He is young, but good enough to score goals with the first team or the substitutes.

Player to watch for Ponferradina: Acorán

Forward Acorán is a quality player who is one of the few attacking talents on Ponferradina. This side is completely overmatched by Real Madrid and if they want to find any offense at all, Acorán must play well.

Key Matchup: Real Madrid attack vs. Ponferradina back four

The Real Madrid attack will pummel Ponferradina early and often away from home, no matter which starting XI Mourinho puts out on the pitch.

Madrid with Benzema and Higuain are way too powerful and talented for the Ponferradina defense to cope with, and unless their back four plays well, Ponferradina will be in for a long two legs.

What They're Saying

Ponferradina president Jose Fernandez is happy his team drew Real Madrid in the fourth round of the Copa del Rey.

Via Soccernet:

"This is something to be proud of and we are. It's the opponent that we wanted and we've got them. To see Jose Mourinho's team play at Ponferrada is double reason to be happy.''

Prediction: Real Madrid win 5-0

Real Madrid are much too powerful for Ponferradina not to score five goals in this match. Ponferradina will be excited to play a club like Real Madrid but they are simply too inferior to have a chance in this fixture.

Even with playing mostly young players and bench guys, Mourinho's side will comfortably progress to the next round in their Copa del Rey defense.