Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey round of 16 after a hard-fought 2-3 win over Talavera de la Reina. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, including a penalty, while Lunin prevented extra time with a key save. Xabi Alonso's team, under pressure, prevailed in a tense match.
Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid endured a nerve-wracking night at El Prado, Talavera de la Reina's stadium, in the Copa del Rey round of 32 on December 17, 2025. Despite leading 0-2 at halftime, the Whites suffered a local comeback and only advanced thanks to key interventions from their players.
From the start, Madrid showed determination with a lineup featuring Kylian Mbappé on the left, alongside Endrick, Ceballos, and Arda Güler. Mbappé, absent in the previous match due to knee issues, had the first chance when Endrick left him one-on-one with goalkeeper Jaime González, but he delayed the control. Endrick assisted Mbappé again soon after, though the shot went just wide.
The first goal came in the 41st minute via penalty, awarded by referee Cuadra Fernández after Marcos Moreno's handball on a corner rebound. Mbappé converted the spot-kick, his 57th goal of the year, nearing Cristiano Ronaldo's record. Just before halftime, in the 45th, Farrando scored an own goal off Mbappé's cross, making it 0-2.
After the break, Talavera pressed and pulled one back in the 80th with Nahuel's goal on a right-wing counter. Madrid responded with Mbappé's second in the 86th from the edge of the box, reaching 58 annual goals. However, Di Renzo made it 2-3 shortly after. In added time, Lunin soared to save Di Renzo's header and prevent extra time.
Alonso, amid a results crisis, brought on Rodrygo, Bellingham, and Tchouaméni to bolster midfield. Talavera, from Primera RFEF, stuck to their humble strategy of defending deep and countering, nearly pulling off a cup upset. Madrid advances, but without peace in its 'volcano'.
