Real Madrid narrowly avoided a major Copa del Rey upset after edging past fourth-tier Talavera 3-2 in a chaotic tie that tested their nerve deep into stoppage time.
Kylian Mbappé proved decisive, scoring twice and forcing an own goal as Madrid appeared to take control before being dragged back into danger by a spirited Talavera fightback and a dramatic late siege on Andriy Lunin’s goal.
Talavera frustrated Xabi Alonso’s rotated side for long spells and twice threatened an early breakthrough before Mbappé struck from the penalty spot. His surge down the left later forced Manuel Farrando into an own goal, but the hosts refused to fold, responding through Nahuel Arroyo and Gonzalo Di Renzo to push Madrid to the brink.
The result carried historical significance for Mbappé, who moved to 58 goals for the calendar year, leaving him one short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 with one match remaining in 2025. That opportunity comes on Saturday against Sevilla, where another milestone awaits.
Despite progression to the next round, the performance raised further questions. Alonso made nine changes from the weekend win at Alavés, retaining only Mbappé and Arda Güler, and his side again looked vulnerable against lower-league opposition.
Talavera fed off a lively home crowd and nearly stunned Madrid in the 18th minute when Pitu’s cross found Marcos Moreno, whose header forced Lunin into a sharp save at the near post.
Madrid briefly wrestled back control with a flurry of chances. Endrick, Gonzalo García, and Dani Ceballos all went close, but defensive uncertainty remained. Di Renzo later latched onto a bouncing ball and dragged a shot narrowly wide, keeping tension high.
The breakthrough finally arrived before the interval. Moreno handled inside the area while attempting to clear a cross, and Mbappé calmly sent Jaime González the wrong way from the spot.
Moments later, Mbappé created the second with a powerful run down the left. His low cross caused panic, and Farrando sliced the ball into his own net under pressure.
Alonso introduced Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham late on in an effort to kill the contest, but Talavera struck back with 10 minutes remaining. Arroyo ghosted in at the back post to slot home and reignite belief.
Mbappé appeared to settle matters again in the 88th minute when González failed to hold his shot, yet the drama was far from over. In stoppage time, Di Renzo thundered a 25-yard free kick past Lunin to make it 3-2 and send the stadium into a frenzy.
Talavera came agonizingly close to forcing extra time when Isaiah Navarro’s header seemed destined for the net, only for Lunin to produce a stunning last-gasp save to preserve Madrid’s lead.
Real Madrid move on to the last 16, but the narrow escape will do little to ease pressure on Alonso. For Mbappé, however, the night keeps a record firmly within reach as attention now turns to Sevilla and a chance to write another line of club history.
