Real Madrid: Facing Past Cup Disappointments in Talavera

This Wednesday, Real Madrid kicks off its Copa del Rey campaign away from the familiar confines of Santiago Bernabéu, visiting Talavera at the municipal El Prado stadium. After a tumultuous start to the season, the Merengues are eager to set the tone for a flawless cup run.

However, this match is not without its challenges. Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, who is likely to rotate his squad, Madrid must remain vigilant against a third-division team that is hungry for an upset. The ghosts of past Copa del Rey disappointments loom large, particularly the shocking exit in 2021 when they fell to Alcoyano during Zidane‘s tenure. Despite fielding a lineup that included notable players like Lucas Vázquez and Vinícius Jr., Madrid lost 2-1 after extra time, a result that still haunts fans.

Historical Upsets

The 2021 debacle was not an isolated incident. In 2015, under Rafa Benítez, Madrid faced Cádiz in the Round of 16. After taking an early lead through Cheryshev, the team was disqualified due to a registration error involving the player. This misstep allowed Cádiz to progress instead, leaving Madrid fans in disbelief. Similarly, during the 2009-2010 season, Manuel Pellegrini’s side suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Alcorcón in the first leg of their tie. Despite winning the return match 1-0 at home, they were eliminated on aggregate—a painful reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.

Current Expectations

As they prepare for their encounter on December 17, 2025, Real Madrid players like Kylian Mbappé will aim to avoid repeating history. The club’s recent cup performances have raised eyebrows; after all, a third-tier team has previously scored six goals against them in one match. Alonso is expected to field a competitive lineup but will not hesitate to bring in his star players if necessary. With the stakes high and memories of previous failures fresh in their minds, can this squad rise to the occasion and silence their critics?

As Madrid steps onto the pitch against Talavera, fans will be hoping for a strong start to their Copa del Rey journey—one that can erase past disappointments and pave the way for future glory.