Real Madrid kicked off their 2024-2025 Copa del Rey campaign with a tense 3-2 victory over Talavera de la Reina, a match that left fans on the edge of their seats. The encounter took place in front of a lively crowd, where Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a controversial penalty in the first half. Manuel Farrando inadvertently doubled Madrid’s lead by deflecting the ball into his own net. However, the match took a dramatic turn as Nahuel Arroyo and Gonzalo Di Renzo pulled Talavera back into contention, making for a nail-biting finale.
In terms of squad selection, coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to give several young players an opportunity. Among those called up were Fran González, Javi Navarro, David Jiménez, Victor Valdepeñas, Joan Martínez, Jorge Cestero, and Thiago Pitarch. Jiménez made his first-team debut at right-back and impressed with a remarkable 97% pass completion rate. Cestero came on late in the game, while Pitarch remained on the bench as time ran out for his much-anticipated debut.
Defensive Concerns Amidst Victory
Despite securing the win, Ancelotti’s side displayed defensive frailties that raised questions about their stability. Avoiding an upset akin to the infamous Alcorconazo was crucial for Ancelotti, who experienced that shock defeat during his playing days. Though Madrid initially appeared to be in control, a lack of organization allowed Arroyo to score and Di Renzo to capitalize on a rebound from the crossbar. This late-game collapse highlighted vulnerabilities in what should have been a solid defensive performance.
Mbappé’s Relentless Pursuit of Greatness
Kylian Mbappé’s decision to start was somewhat surprising given his heavy workload this season; he has only missed one match due to injury. Yet, his presence was likely motivated by his ambition to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record of 59 goals in a calendar year. With two goals against Talavera, Mbappé now stands at 58 for the year, just one shy of equaling Ronaldo’s mark. His relentless drive is evident as he aims to achieve this historic milestone during the upcoming clash against Sevilla.
Questions Surrounding Young Talent and Coaching Future
The match also sparked discussions about the future of young Brazilian talent Endrick. Many fans questioned why he has not been utilized more often this season. His impending move to Lyon appears imminent as he showcased his skills by creating four chances and drawing multiple fouls against Talavera. The aggressive style he brought last season has been noticeably absent this term.
As for Ancelotti’s position, there are mounting concerns regarding his long-term future at the club. His demeanor during and after the match suggested frustration; his post-match comments shifted focus towards upcoming fixtures rather than addressing immediate concerns. The uncertainty surrounding his tenure raises questions about what Real Madrid is waiting for regarding potential changes at the managerial level.
With Barcelona gaining momentum in La Liga and Champions League challenges looming, prioritizing the Copa del Rey could be essential for Real Madrid this season. Their next round matchup against lower-league opposition presents an opportunity to progress further in pursuit of silverware amidst a challenging campaign.
The victory may have been secured, but it certainly did not provide the morale boost that one would expect from such a narrow win. As they prepare for tougher challenges ahead, can Real Madrid find consistency and reclaim their status among Europe’s elite?
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