Solari, Vinicius make a mark
Santiago Solari's reign as interim Real Madrid coach got off to an encouraging start on Wednesday as the European champions made light of third-tier hosts Melilla in the Copa del Rey.
Goals from Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Odriozola and Cristo Gonzalez earned the 19-time champions a 4-0 win on their first visit to this Spanish enclave on the north African coast.
Solari was promoted from boss of Real'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," said Solari. "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 French 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 Real's performance, not least the bright debut of highly-touted Brazilian teenager Vinicius Junior.
After catching the eye in Solari's Castilla side the 18-year-old Flamengo recruit was handed his first team starting debut, and was one of Real'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.
"This is my style," he told Fox Sports after the Melilla game. "Take on my man and be effective and direct, while always looking for the goal. I like to start the game from the beginning and to help Real Madrid to win. It was a very important game for me, a milestone in my career. I have to say thanks to everyone at the club for making me feel at ease and who have helped me a lot with my adaptation."
At the restart Solari made two changes, introducing Nacho for Sergio Ramos with Benzema replaced by Federico Valverde.
Vicinius almost marked his first team arrival with a goal, his shot thudding off the crossbar.
Solari said on Tuesday he was open to becoming Real coach 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.
Madrid have sounded out Antonio Conte but initial talks have reportedly not gone smoothly. Belgium boss Roberto Martinez and the Guti have also been linked.
But if Solari continues to impress he may well find himself signing a full time contract as he seeks to emulate another former Castilla coach -- Zinedine Zidane.
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