Real Madrid: Mbappé shines in thrilling Cup victory

Real Madrid faced Talavera today in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory that showcased their resilience and star power. The match was a test of character for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side, who struggled at times but ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a standout performance from Kylian Mbappé.

In a game that had its share of drama, Real Madrid initially found themselves under pressure from the lower-league side. Andriy Lunin, stepping in as captain for the day, made crucial saves to keep the score level. His alertness around the 25-minute mark prevented Talavera from taking an early lead, and he later made a vital stop in injury time to avoid extra time. Despite being substituted in the 80th minute, Lunin’s contributions were pivotal.

Defensive Struggles

The defense, however, had its challenges. Jimenez, while not heavily tested, showed promise offensively with a solid presence. In contrast, Huijsen and Carreras both struggled with their positioning and execution. Huijsen’s early mistake nearly gifted Talavera a goal, while Carreras was caught out during a critical moment that led to Talavera’s best chance. Fran García also faced difficulties, failing to connect with his teammates on several crosses and allowing space behind him that contributed to conceding a goal.

Midfield Dynamics

Dani Ceballos had a mixed performance; he was involved in building play but lacked the spark needed to dominate the midfield. Arda Güler showed flashes of brilliance with two well-taken free kicks that tested the Talavera keeper but struggled to maintain consistent influence throughout the match. Mastantuono returned after weeks out but found it tough to make an impact despite his energetic runs down the flank.

Kylian Mbappé was undoubtedly the star of the show, scoring two goals and contributing significantly to the team’s attacking efforts. After missing an early chance against Talavera’s goalkeeper Jaime Gonzalez, he opened the scoring from the penalty spot and later forced an own goal from Manu Farrando before sealing his brace late in the match. With this performance, Mbappé has now netted 59 goals in 2025, further solidifying his status as one of football’s elite forwards.

This win not only propels Real Madrid into the next round of the Copa del Rey but also highlights areas for improvement as they look ahead to upcoming challenges in both domestic and European competitions. Can they build on this momentum as they aim for silverware this season?