Martin Odegaard makes first Real Madrid start in Copa del Rey clash

The Norwegian’s progress has somewhat stalled at the Bernabeu but he has been rewarded with a starting spot during the second-leg tie

Martin Odegaard makes his first Real Madrid start in their Copa del Rey clash with Cultural Leonesa.

The Norwegian, 17, signed for Real in January 2015 but has made just one senior appearance.

Odegaard was regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world football when he joined Real but his progress has somewhat stalled at the Bernabeu.

He continues to toil in Castilla, Real’s B-team but has been given the chance to prove himself in the cup encounter, with Real leading 7-1 from the first-leg.

With the Clasico looming this weekend, Zinedine Zidane has rung the changes for the second-leg.

Only Pepe, Nacho and James Rodriguez have retained their spots from the weekend win over Sporting.

There is also a start for young forward Mariano, who has impressed with the B-team.

Zidane’s son Enzo has been rewarded with a space on the bench.

Meanwhile, Odegaard is eyeing a January loan move away from Real as he seeks regular first-team football.

French side Rennes are keeping tabs on the youngster having failed to land him in the summer due to FIFA’s rules on loaning under-18 players.