Real Madrid: Awaiting Draw for Copa del Rey Round of 16

After a hard-fought victory against Talavera, Real Madrid has secured its place in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 and is now eagerly anticipating the draw for its next opponent. The draw, set to take place on January 7, 2026, will determine who the reigning champions will face as they continue their pursuit of another title.

Having triumphed with a score of 3-2, thanks to standout performances from Kylian Mbappé, who netted twice, and a fortunate own goal by Talavera’s Manu Stiepovich, the team demonstrated resilience despite not being at their best. The upcoming draw will be pivotal for Real Madrid as they look to navigate through the tournament with a favorable matchup. Given their participation in the Supercopa de España, they are guaranteed to face a team from a lower division, excluding encounters with Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, or Athletic Club.

What to Expect from the Draw

The structure of the Copa del Rey stipulates that teams from lower divisions host matches against top-tier clubs in the early rounds. This means Real Madrid will be on the road for their Round of 16 clash, which is scheduled for January 13-15, 2026. The unique one-off format of these matches adds an element of unpredictability; anything can happen in knockout football. The potential for a challenging away game could test Xabi Alonso’s squad further as they look to maintain their momentum in this competition.

Analyzing Recent Performances

The match against Talavera highlighted both strengths and areas needing improvement for Los Blancos. While they managed to secure victory, conceding two goals against a lower division side raises questions about defensive solidity. With key players like Mbappé leading the attack alongside young talents such as Rodrygo and Endrick, there is a mix of experience and youth that could prove vital as they advance in the tournament.

The anticipation surrounding the draw adds excitement to an already thrilling season for Real Madrid fans. As they look forward to potential matchups against lesser-known teams, questions linger about how effectively Alonso can prepare his squad for unexpected challenges. Will they continue their march towards another Copa del Rey title?