Interim manager Solari hails Madrid as ‘team of great champions’ after big win

Santiago Solari said Real Madrid are “puling in the same direction” after beginning his interim spell in charge with a comprehensive victory over third-tier Melilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Goals from Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Odriozola and Cristo Gonzalez earned the European champions a 4-0 win on their first visit to this Spanish enclave on the north African coast.

Solari was promoted from manager of Madrid’s Castilla B team on Monday after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui only 139 days after his appointment.

Sunday’s 5-1 Clasico humbling by Barcelona proved the last straw for Real president Florentino Perez, who will nevertheless have been warmed by the team’s display in this last 32 first leg clash.

“In tough times, we are all pulling in the same direction,” Solari said. “We have a team of great champions who know what to do to get the job done.”

Defending champions Barcelona, meanwhile, needed a stoppage-time header from France international Clement Lenglet to secure a 1-0 win at third division Cultural Leonesa.

Melilla may not be Barca or Manchester City but there was plenty to like about Madrid’s performance, not least the bright debut of much-touted Brazilian teen Vinicius Junior.

After catching the eye at Castilla, the 18-year-old forward was handed his first team starting debut, and was one of Madrid’s best players.

His superb pass set up Asensio for Real’s second on the stroke of half time, after Benzema, playing as a central striker, had tapped in Odriozola’s assist from close range on 28 minutes. At the restart Solari made two changes, introducing Nacho for Sergio Ramos with Benzema replaced by Federico Valverde.

Melilla began the second period brightly, as they had done the first, proving more of a threat to their well-heeled but hurting visitors.

Against the run of play only a fine point blank save from Melilla keeper Dani Barrio denied Dani Ceballos on the hour.

Then Vicinius almost marked his first team arrival with a goal, his shot thudding off the crossbar. Odriozola bagged his first goal for Real, firing into an empty net after good work from Vicinius and Reguillo before substitute Gonzalez headed home.

Solari said on Tuesday he was open to becoming Real manager on a long term basis, and as a statement of intent he could not have asked for much more from his first game in charge.

The Argentine, who spent five years playing for Madrid between 2000 and 2005, is likely to remain in post for Real’s Primera Liga game at home to Real Valladolid on Saturday and could stay on for next week’s trip to Viktoria Plzen in the Uefa Champions League.

Madrid have sounded out former Chelsea and Juventus manager Antonio Conte but initial talks have reportedly not gone smoothly. Belgium manager Roberto Martinez and the club’s former midfielder Guti have also been linked.