Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Endrick impressed as Real Madrid edged Talavera 3-2 to reach the Copa del Rey last 16 after late drama.
Real Madrid survived a major scare to beat third tier Talavera 3-2 and reach the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, while Endrick and Arda Guler played key creative roles. Late heroics from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin prevented extra time at Estadio El Prado.
Despite recent pressure on his position, Xabi Alonso named a strong but rotated side. Madrid controlled possession early but struggled to turn dominance into goals. Talavera matched their intensity and unsettled the visitors with direct play.
Madrid went close early through Mbappe and Endrick, forcing saves from Jaime Gonzalez. The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute from the penalty spot. Mbappe calmly converted after Marcos Moreno was penalized for handball in the penalty area.
Madrid doubled their lead just before the break. Mbappe drove to the byline and his cutback deflected in off Manu Farrando. At half time, the visitors looked comfortable at 2-0.
Endrick impressed with his movement and passing after the restart. He slid Mbappe through for a clear chance that was saved at close range. Madrid continued to create openings but failed to put the tie away.
Talavera stayed alive thanks to last ditch defending and Gonzalez’s reflexes. The home crowd sensed a shift as Madrid’s intensity dipped. That belief was rewarded late on.
Nahuel Arroyo pulled one back in the 80th minute with a composed finish from close range after getting on the end of a cross from Manu Farrando. The goal lifted Talavera and exposed Madrid nerves. Pressure mounted as crosses flooded into the box.
Mbappe appeared to settle matters in the 88th minute. His long-range effort squirmed past Gonzalez to restore a two-goal cushion. Madrid thought the contest was over.
In added time, Isaiah Navarro’s free kick crashed off the bar. Gonzalo Di Renzo reacted fastest to score and make it 3-2. Moments later, Lunin produced a brilliant save to deny a dramatic equalizer.
Mbappe finished with two goals and played a role in the third. He now has 58 goals in all competitions in 2025 for Real Madrid. That leaves him one short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for a calendar year.
Endrick was one of Madrid’s brightest attackers despite not scoring. His link up play created several clear chances and stretched Talavera’s defence. Lunin’s late save proved decisive under heavy pressure.
Talavera impressed with courage and attacking intent throughout. They registered 16 shots and an expected goals of 2.53 xG, Madrid had 2.90 xG, and tested Madrid until the final whistle. Their performance earned a standing ovation despite elimination.
Real Madrid now advance to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. They return to La Liga action on Saturday against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu. Mbappe will have the chance to equal or break Ronaldo’s record in that match. Talavera shift focus back to league survival after an historic night. Their display against Madrid may provide confidence for the remainder of the season.
