Real Madrid's opponents Arandina 'submit shirt swap requests BEFORE match'

Real Madrid's Copa del Rey opponents were so keen to ensure they could swap shirts at full-time that they reportedly submitted a list of requests in advance.

Fourth tier outfit Arandina lost 3-1 at home in the round of 32 clash after upsetting LaLiga side Cadiz at the previous stage.

While players usually requests shirts in-person at the final whistle, Arandina did not wait around for such a precious encounter against one of the world's best teams.

Jude Bellingham was one of the most popular players, with three opponents asking to have his shirt before the game according to MARCA.

However, the honour of being the most in-demand star rested with another midfield maestro, who was the subject of a whopping nine requests.

That prestige fell on the shoulders of Luke Modric, the 38-year-old former Ballon d'Or winner who has claimed five Champions League titles and three LaLiga crowns with Madrid.

Two players asked for the shirts of Toni Kroos and Rodrygo, while one each requested Vinicius Jr, Thibaut Courtois, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Nacho Fernandez.

'In the locker room I proposed the idea of trying to get as many shirts as possible because at the end of the day everyone is going to want the same shirt,' captain Jorge Gonzalez said.

'And I think the beauty of this match is having a memory. If Madrid can provide us with more t-shirts, welcome.'

It is unclear if Madrid agreed to the request.

As it turned out, neither Modric or Bellingham got off the bench for the encounter.

Goals from Joselu, Brahim Diaz, and Joselu were enough to see Carlo Ancelotti's side coast through - even if Nacho scored a stoppage-time own goal to give Arandina something to cheer about.

Bellingham was involved in a heartwarming moment when he gave his blanket to a