Real Madrid: A Narrow Escape Amidst Late Drama Against Talavera

Real Madrid secured their place in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey with a tense victory over Talavera de la Reina. On November 2, the Castilla team had previously triumphed against the same opponent at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, thanks to a goal from Joan Martínez, assisted by David Jiménez. In this latest Cup encounter, Jiménez made his first-team debut and put in a commendable performance. His display, alongside Valdepeñas’ solid outing against Alavés, highlights the potential of La Fábrica’s talents, especially as the current squad’s substitutes have been underwhelming.

Real Madrid approached the match with an aggressive lineup featuring two strikers, two wingers, and two attacking midfielders. This offensive strategy paid off during the first half as they dominated possession, keeping Talavera firmly on the back foot. The visitors struggled to mount any meaningful attacks due to the relentless pressure applied by Xabi Alonso‘s players. Although star names like Endrick, Kylian Mbappé, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono squandered opportunities, their ability to create chances was a positive sign. The team’s determination bore fruit with two goals before halftime, reflecting their persistent efforts.

Late Collapse Raises Concerns

Despite holding a comfortable lead after the break, Real Madrid’s performance deteriorated significantly in the closing stages. They conceded a goal in the 80th minute and another during stoppage time, nearly forcing extra time had it not been for Andriy Lunin‘s crucial saves. The Ukrainian goalkeeper stepped up admirably during his first match as captain, preventing what could have been a disastrous outcome for Los Blancos. Xabi Alonso’s decision to substitute Arda Güler and Endrick for Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni in the 77th minute was intended to bolster midfield control. Unfortunately for Alonso, this move backfired as both Bellingham and Tchouaméni displayed a lack of urgency and focus.

Need for Accountability

The late-game collapse raises serious questions about the mentality of certain players within the squad. With such an attitude on display, it becomes increasingly difficult for Real Madrid to aspire for major titles this season. Alonso must reconsider his trust in certain individuals and demand higher standards from his key players moving forward. As the team prepares for upcoming fixtures, fans will be eager to see whether these lessons have been learned.

Real Madrid’s journey in this year’s Copa del Rey continues, but they must address their late-game vulnerabilities if they wish to avoid further scares in future matches.