Real Madrid advanced to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, but not before surviving a major scare against spirited third-tier side CF Talavera de la Reina, eventually securing a nervy 3-2 victory. A Kylian Mbappé brace proved decisive, though the Spanish giants were pushed to the limit by their determined opponents.
Facing a historic night for their club, Talavera refused to be overawed. They pressed high and created the first clear chance, forcing Andriy Lunin into a sharp near-post save. Madrid, fielding a rotated side, struggled for rhythm against the hosts’ energetic approach.
The breakthrough came just before halftime. A handball in the area gave Madrid a penalty, which Kylian Mbappé coolly converted. He was instrumental in the second goal moments later, his driving run and cross deflecting off defender Manu Farrando for an own goal.
Madrid seemed in control but were wasteful. Endrick, starting upfront, showed flashes of brilliance with his link-up play but lacked a finishing touch. Talavera’s resistance was rewarded in the 75th minute when Nahuel Arroyo finished calmly to make it 2-1.
Mbappé appeared to have sealed the tie with an 88th-minute strike from distance that squirmed under goalkeeper Jaime González. However, Talavera refused to die. A stunning free-kick from Ismael Navarro hit the bar, and Gonzalo Di Renzo tapped in the rebound in stoppage time to set up a grandstand finish. Lunin made one final crucial save to ensure Madrid narrowly escaped an upset.
Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappé
The French superstar was the difference-maker. He converted the crucial penalty, forced the own goal, and scored the late winner. His quality in the final third was the key factor that separated the two sides on a difficult night.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
- Andriy Lunin (7/10): Made several important saves at key moments, especially the late stop to preserve the win. Could do little about the goals.
- Lucas Vázquez (6/10): Provided width and experience on the right but was occasionally caught out defensively.
- Antonio Rüdiger (6/10): A physical presence but part of a defence that looked disjointed and vulnerable to counters.
- Nacho Fernández (5/10): The captain struggled to organize the backline against Talavera’s direct attacks. A shaky performance.
- Ferland Mendy (6/10): Defensively sound for the most part but offered limited attacking threat.
- Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): Brought energy but lacked his usual control in a chaotic midfield battle.
- Dani Ceballos (6/10): Tried to dictate tempo but was often bypassed. Kept possession ticking over.
- Arda Güler (6/10): Had a couple of bright moments and forced good saves from free-kicks, but faded in and out of the game.
- Brahim Díaz (6/10): Showed neat touches but couldn’t find the decisive pass in a crowded final third.
- Endrick (7/10): A promising display full of clever movement and good link-up play. Assisted Mbappé’s second and was unlucky not to score. A positive sign ahead of his development.
- Kylian Mbappé (8/10) – STAR PLAYER: Carried the attacking threat. Took his goals well and was the one player who consistently looked like scoring.
Substitutes: *Luka Modrić (6/10), Federico Valverde (6/10), Joselu (N/A).*
Manager – Carlo Ancelotti (5/10): His rotated side lacked cohesion and nearly paid the price. While qualification was achieved, the performance will raise concerns about squad depth and defensive organization against lower-league opposition.
Key Talking Points
- Cup Scare: A classic Copa del Rey trap game that Madrid narrowly avoided.
- Endrick’s Promise: The young Brazilian showed why he’s so highly rated with an inventive performance.
- Defensive Frailty: Madrid’s backup defenders looked uncomfortable against a motivated, physical opponent.
What This Result Means
Madrid progress in the cup, but the performance is a wake-up call. Talavera earned immense credit and a memorable night. The focus for Madrid now returns to La Liga and the Champions League.
Next for Real Madrid: A La Liga fixture against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu.
