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Mbappé Leads the Way as Real Madrid Survive Talavera Scare in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid progressed to the Copa del Rey last 16, but not without an unexpected test, edging past third-tier Talavera 3–2 in a tie that was far tighter than pre-match expectations suggested. Kylian Mbappé once again proved decisive, scoring twice and forcing an own goal, yet Carlo Ancelotti’s side were made to sweat deep into stoppage time.

Facing opponents rooted near the bottom of the Primera Federación, Madrid initially appeared in control on paper, but Talavera approached the biggest night in their history with fearless intensity. Roared on by a sold-out crowd of just over 5,000, the hosts pressed aggressively and forced Andriy Lunin into an early save, unsettling a Madrid side that rotated heavily but still fielded international stars.

Talavera’s resistance was anchored by goalkeeper Jaime González, whose reflex saves, alongside crucial defensive interventions from David Cuenca and Manu Farrando, repeatedly frustrated the visitors. The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes before half-time when a handball inside the box handed Mbappé a penalty, calmly converted for his first of the night.

The French forward doubled Madrid’s advantage in stoppage time, his direct run provoking an unfortunate own goal from Farrando. With eight goals now in his last six appearances across all competitions, Mbappé continued to underline his growing influence in decisive moments.

Madrid threatened to put the game to bed after the interval. Endrick, making a strong case for regular minutes before an expected January loan move, split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass that Mbappé narrowly failed to convert. Arda Güler also went close, denied by another outstanding González save.

Yet complacency crept in. Nahuel Arroyo’s composed finish reignited belief for the underdogs, before Mbappé appeared to settle matters late on with a speculative long-range effort that slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands. Talavera, however, refused to yield. Isaiah Navarro rattled the crossbar with a superb free kick, and Gonzalo Di Renzo reacted quickest to convert the rebound, plunging the tie into chaos.

Only a crucial late intervention from Lunin ensured Madrid avoided extra time. It was far from convincing, but the holders remain alive in the competition — and Mbappé’s growing authority continues to mask lingering defensive concerns.

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