In the magical world of cup football, where giants can stumble and minnows can dream, Real Madrid survived a genuine scare against third-division CF Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey round of 32. On a chilly December 17 evening at the modest Estadio El Prado, the 15-time European champions were pushed to their limits by a resilient underdog side, eventually scraping through with a 3-2 victory. Kylian Mbappé's brace proved decisive, but it was Andriy Lunin's late heroics that spared new manager Xabi Alonso's blushes in what could have been a historic upset.
This match wasn't just another routine progression for Los Blancos; it was a testament to the Copa del Rey's enduring charm. Talavera, a club from Spain's Segunda Federación (fourth tier), hosted the mighty Madrid in front of a packed house of passionate locals, dreaming of emulating the giant-killing feats of teams like Alcoyano or Unionistas in years past. For Real Madrid, coming off a patchy run in La Liga, this was an opportunity to rotate and build momentum under Alonso, who took the reins earlier in the season. But as the game unfolded, it became clear that complacency could cost them dearly.
Pre-Match Buildup: Underdogs vs. Galácticos
Heading into the tie, the odds were overwhelmingly in Madrid's favor. Talavera, managed by the experienced Rubén Gala, had battled through earlier rounds against lower-league opposition, but facing Real Madrid was a step into the unknown. The hosts hadn't reached this stage since 2019, and their squad, a mix of journeymen and local talents, earned a fraction of what Mbappé pockets in a week. Yet, the atmosphere was electric – flags waving, chants echoing, and a sense of occasion that only cup football can provide.
Alonso, mindful of Madrid's defensive frailties exposed in recent league games, opted for a blend of youth and experience. Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin started between the sticks, with a backline featuring young prospects like Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras. In midfield, Dani Ceballos pulled the strings alongside Franco Mastantuono and Arda Güler, while up front, the explosive duo of Endrick and Mbappé led the line, supported by Gonzalo García. Notably, stars like Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo were held in reserve, a decision that nearly backfired.
Talavera lined up in a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jaime González in goal, protected by a defense including Manu Farrando and Marcos Moreno. Midfield enforcers like Isaiah Navarro and Pitu Doncel were tasked with disrupting Madrid's rhythm, while Argentine forward Gonzalo Di Renzo spearheaded the attack, flanked by Edu Gallardo and Aleix Roig. The plan was clear: frustrate, counter, and capitalize on set pieces.
As the teams emerged onto the pitch, the contrast was stark – Madrid's pristine white kits against Talavera's blue-and-white stripes. Kickoff was delayed slightly due to the fervent crowd, but once underway, the minnows showed no fear.
First Half: Madrid's Dominance Tempered by Talavera's Resilience
The opening exchanges were cagey, with Talavera pressing high to unsettle Madrid's buildup. In the 3rd minute, Mbappé tested González with a low shot after a clever pass from Endrick, but the keeper parried it away. Talavera responded in the 7th minute, earning a corner after Carreras fouled Di Renzo, though nothing came of it.
Madrid gradually asserted control, their superior quality shining through. Endrick, the Brazilian wonderkid, was a constant menace, winning free kicks and forcing blocks. In the 17th minute, Talavera nearly stunned the visitors when Marcos Moreno's header from a Pitu Doncel corner was saved brilliantly by Lunin. Moments later, David Cuenca's follow-up header sailed wide.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute. After a series of corners, Marcos Moreno handled the ball in the box, conceding a penalty. Mbappé stepped up, coolly slotting it into the bottom right corner for his 57th goal of 2025 – just two shy of Cristiano Ronaldo's club record for a calendar year. The French superstar celebrated modestly, knowing the job was far from done.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Madrid doubled their lead. Mbappé cut inside from the left and delivered a low cross that deflected off Farrando and into the net – an own goal that deflated the hosts just before the whistle. Halftime substitutions for Talavera saw Pedro Capó and Sergi Molina replace Luis Sánchez and David Cuenca, aiming to shore up the midfield.
At the break, Madrid led 2-0, with 58% possession and 10 shots to Talavera's 5. But the scoreline flattered them; Talavera had created chances and looked dangerous on the counter.
Second Half: Talavera's Fightback and Madrid's Late Escape
The second period exploded into life. Talavera, buoyed by the crowd, pushed forward. In the 47th minute, Moreno's header from another corner went wide. Madrid countered, with Endrick's effort blocked in the 48th.
Mbappé continued his torment, missing a couple of chances around the 50-minute mark, including a curling shot assisted by Endrick. Talavera made a change in the 58th, bringing on Nahuel Arroyo for Roig, injecting fresh energy on the wing.
The game's turning point came in the 79th minute. After a sustained spell of pressure, Farrando's cross found Arroyo unmarked in the box, and the substitute steered it home with a left-footed finish to make it 2-1. Suddenly, the impossible seemed possible – Talavera believed, and the stadium erupted.
Alonso reacted by introducing Tchouaméni, Bellingham, and Rodrygo around the 65th and 76th minutes, sacrificing youth for experience. But Talavera kept coming. Di Renzo's header in the 81st went wide, and Lunin saved another from the Argentine in the 85th.
In the 87th minute, Mbappé restored the two-goal cushion with a stunning long-range strike from outside the box, assisted by Tchouaméni. The ball squirmed under González, making it 3-1 and seemingly sealing the tie. Mbappé's 58th goal of the year edged him closer to Ronaldo's mark.
But Talavera weren't done. In stoppage time (90+1'), Navarro's free-kick was tipped onto the bar by Lunin, and Di Renzo pounced on the rebound to prod home, reducing the deficit to 3-2. Chaos ensued – Talavera earned a corner in the 92nd, and Navarro's delivery found Molina, whose header was miraculously saved by Lunin at point-blank range. That stop proved match-winning.
The final whistle blew after 93 minutes, with Madrid advancing but exposed. Stats showed Madrid's 2.93 xG to Talavera's 1.78, but the hosts had 16 shots, 5 on target, proving their threat.
Key Player Performances: Heroes and Villains
Mbappé was the star, with two goals and constant involvement (multiple shots saved, assists). His performance underlined why he's Madrid's talisman, now just one goal from equaling Ronaldo's 59 in 2017. Lunin earned man-of-the-match plaudits for his late saves, preventing what would have been a humiliating exit.
For Talavera, Di Renzo was tireless, scoring and creating chances. Arroyo’s impact off the bench was crucial, while Farrando was unfortunate with the own goal but solid otherwise. Endrick impressed for Madrid with his dynamism, though he lacked the finishing touch.
On the downside, Madrid's defense looked vulnerable, with Huijsen and Carreras struggling against Talavera's physicality. Alonso will have concerns ahead of tougher tests.
Post-Match Reactions: Pride and Relief
Alonso admitted post-match: "We suffered more than expected, but credit to Talavera – they fought like lions. Lunin saved us, and Mbappé delivered. We need to improve defensively." Mbappé added: "It's cup football; anything can happen. Happy with the goals, but the team's progression is what matters."
Talavera's Gala beamed with pride: "We nearly did it. Against Real Madrid, to score twice and push them to the end – that's a victory for us." Fans on Reddit echoed the sentiment, praising the underdogs while criticizing Madrid's complacency.
Conclusion: A Reminder of Football's Magic
This 3-2 thriller encapsulates why the Copa del Rey remains one of football's purest competitions. Real Madrid advances to the last 16, but Talavera emerges as moral victors, their bravery inspiring smaller clubs everywhere. For Alonso, it's a wake-up call; for Mbappé, a step closer to history. As the dust settles, one thing's clear: in cup ties, form and finances mean little when heart takes over.