Real Madrid: A Frightening Finish Against Talavera

Real Madrid faced a nerve-wracking finish against third-division side Talavera in the Copa del Rey, raising eyebrows and criticism across the Spanish media. Despite securing their place in the Round of 16, the performance left much to be desired. Andriy Lunin‘s last-minute save was crucial; without it, the headlines would likely have told a very different story. The prevailing sentiment is one of unease, with Marca declaring, “Not a single calm day,” while AS referred to the match as a “new fear” that persisted even with the presence of Kylian Mbappé.

Real Madrid’s second-half display was particularly alarming. After a promising first half, Xabi Alonso‘s side seemed to lose their grip on the game, allowing Talavera to apply pressure that culminated in frantic moments towards the end. Commentary from Fran Garrido on El Chiringuito highlighted this shift, stating, “Xabi Alonso transmits fear, and some players display alarming attitudes in critical situations.” Javi Herrera echoed these sentiments on Cadena SER, noting that Alonso appeared “touched and disoriented,” suggesting that his confidence may have taken a hit following the match.

Defensive Concerns

The match exposed vulnerabilities within Real Madrid’s defense, which has been inconsistent this season. Lunin’s heroics masked deeper issues that could become problematic as they progress through the tournament. Manu Carreno from SER did not hold back in his assessment, labeling the team’s second-half performance as “lamentable.” The defensive lapses could prove costly against stronger opposition in future rounds.

Mbappé’s Influence

As discussions around Kylian Mbappé grow louder, it’s clear that his presence is both a blessing and a burden for Alonso. Josep Pedrerol made a pointed remark during his show, urging Alonso to “thank Kylian Mbappé every day.” This statement underscores the reliance on the French superstar to turn games in their favor. However, as Manolo Lama pointed out, there’s an unsettling feeling that without Mbappé’s brilliance, Real Madrid would be struggling even more.

In conclusion, while Real Madrid advances in the Copa del Rey, this latest encounter against Talavera serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face. With mounting pressure and scrutiny from both fans and media alike, can Alonso rally his squad to find consistency? The road ahead is fraught with challenges as they aim to reclaim their dominance.