Could a third-division team actually dethrone the mighty Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey? It almost happened! Kylian Mbappe's late heroics saved Real Madrid from a shocking upset against Talavera, but the scare was real. Let's dive into how the drama unfolded.
In a Round of 32 Copa del Rey match that proved far more challenging than anticipated, Real Madrid narrowly escaped defeat against third-division side Talavera, ultimately securing a 3-2 victory. The match, held on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, saw Kylian Mbappe net two crucial goals, showcasing his indispensable value to the Madrid squad.
Mbappe's first goal arrived via a penalty in the 41st minute, setting the stage for what seemed like a comfortable lead. He later sealed the win with a stunning strike from outside the box in the dying moments of the second half. This marked his 10th goal in just six appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid, a testament to his consistent brilliance. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that relying so heavily on one player isn't a sustainable strategy for long-term success. Is Real Madrid too dependent on Mbappe's individual brilliance?
Adding to Talavera's woes, Mbappe was also instrumental in forcing an own-goal from Talavera's Manuel Farrando just before halftime. While Madrid seemed to be cruising, the second half brought unexpected challenges.
Talavera mounted a spirited comeback, with Nahuel Arroyo finding the net in the 80th minute and Gonzalo Di Renzo scoring in stoppage time. These goals injected a surge of tension into the match, threatening to send shockwaves through the competition. A late save by Madrid's goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, in the final moments proved vital in preserving the victory. Imagine the headlines if that last shot had gone in!
Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso, acknowledged Mbappe's impact, stating, "He was decisive. Kylian has that knack for scoring. The third goal was key, which is why we kept him on the pitch and why he started." Alonso also commented on the game's flow, noting, "In the first half, we controlled the game well and took the lead, but not making it 3-0 left the game open, and it remained that way until the end." And this is the part most people miss... That failure to capitalize on their dominance nearly cost them the game. It highlights the importance of converting chances, especially against lower-league opposition.
Despite playing without several key players, Real Madrid largely controlled the match from the outset. However, Alonso admitted that the failure to extend their lead to 3-0 allowed Talavera to remain in contention throughout the second half. "The second half was competitive. We looked for the third goal earlier and had chances, but it wasn’t to be. It was an exciting tie. It’s a special competition. Objective achieved, and on to the next game,” Alonso concluded.
This hard-fought victory comes at a crucial time for Alonso, who has been under pressure following a string of disappointing results. An upset in the Copa del Rey could have significantly intensified the scrutiny. Madrid will be looking to carry this momentum into their final match of 2025 against Sevilla in the Spanish league on Saturday.
What do you think? Was this a lucky escape for Real Madrid, or a sign of underlying issues within the team? And how far do you think they'll go in the Copa del Rey this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
