Real Madrid Defeats Talavera in Copa del Rey as Mbappé Nears Ronaldo’s Goal Record
Real Madrid narrowly defeated fourth-tier team Talavera 3-2 in a Copa del Rey match. This victory, while essential, was far from impressive and raised questions about their form under coach Xabi Alonso.
Match Summary
The match began with Talavera putting pressure on Madrid. They nearly scored first, with Marcos Moreno testing goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in the 18th minute. However, it was Kylian Mbappé who opened the scoring for Madrid with a penalty just before halftime.
Kylian Mbappé’s Impact
- Mbappé converted a penalty after a handball by Moreno.
- He assisted in the second goal, which became an own goal by Manuel Farrando.
- With this performance, Mbappé is now just one goal shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year.
Despite Madrid’s two-goal lead, Talavera responded valiantly. Nahuel Arroyo scored for the hosts in the second half, bringing them back into contention.
Last Minute Drama
In the dying minutes of the match, Gonzalo Di Renzo scored a stunning free kick, setting the stage for a potential equalizer. Lunin’s excellent save on a header from Isaiah Navarro preserved Madrid’s slim advantage.
Player Performances
- Real Madrid: Lunin made crucial saves to maintain the lead.
- Mbappé: Scored twice and provided an assist.
- Talavera: Demonstrated resilience and nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback.
Real Madrid’s victory allows them to advance to the Copa del Rey’s last 16, but the team remains under scrutiny for its inconsistent performances. They now prepare to face Sevilla, where Mbappé will aim to eclipse Ronaldo’s record.
