Mbappé Double Sends Real Madrid Through After Copa del Rey Scare Against Talavera

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Real Madrid booked their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night after edging past third-tier side Talavera in a tense round-of-32 encounter, with Kylian Mbappé’s brace proving decisive.

Despite dominating possession for large spells of the match, the Spanish giants were pushed to the limit by a disciplined Talavera side that threatened an upset. Mbappé rose to the occasion, striking twice to ensure Madrid avoided embarrassment and continued their cup campaign.

The goals took Mbappé’s tally for the 2025 calendar year to 58, leaving him just one short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-standing club record of 59 goals set in 2013. The French forward played the full 93 minutes, a decision head coach Xabi Alonso explained simply after the match: “He scores goals.”

The game also offered a glimpse into Madrid’s future, as teenage substitute Endrick impressed after coming off the bench. The Brazilian youngster showcased his flair with a series of audacious trivela passes, earning praise from Alonso for his confidence and creativity in a high-pressure situation.

While pleased with the victory, Alonso acknowledged that his side still has room to grow, stressing the need for greater maturity and efficiency as the season progresses. Attention now turns to La Liga, where Real Madrid face Sevilla on Saturday, a match that could see Mbappé equal or surpass Ronaldo’s historic record.

The narrow win underlined both Madrid’s reliance on their star forward and the unpredictable nature of the Copa del Rey, where even the biggest clubs can be tested by determined underdogs.