Real Madrid edged past Talavera in a thrilling 3-2 encounter, thanks to a stellar performance from Kylian Mbappé, who netted two goals. The match, part of the Copa del Rey, saw the Madrid side initially in control before facing a tense finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. Young talent Endrick also shone brightly, showcasing his potential on the big stage.
Despite being up against a third-division side, Real Madrid’s players felt the pressure as Talavera mounted a late comeback. Mbappé’s penalty and his second goal put the team ahead comfortably, but defensive lapses allowed Talavera to score twice late in the match. Andriy Lunin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper, had a mixed outing; while he made crucial saves early on, he was caught off guard by Talavera’s late strikes but redeemed himself with a last-minute save to secure the win.
Player Performances Under the Spotlight
Among the standout performers was Kylian Mbappé, whose brace brought him within one goal of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record for most goals in a calendar year (59). His contributions were pivotal; not only did he convert a penalty with confidence, but he also played a role in Talavera’s own goal through his dynamic runs down the left flank. With this performance, he sets his sights on surpassing that record in the upcoming match against Sevilla.
Endrick made an impressive impact during his first start of the season. The Brazilian forward was lively throughout the match, demanding the ball and linking well with teammates. His creativity and vision were evident as he provided key passes that put pressure on Talavera’s defense. Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos displayed moments of brilliance early in the game but struggled to maintain that level as the match progressed.
Defensive Concerns for Alonso
On the defensive front, Real Madrid showed vulnerabilities that could be exploited against stronger opponents. While Dean Huijsen had a solid showing, contributing to build-up play with accurate passing, Fran Garcia’s performance was less convincing; he was caught out of position leading to Talavera’s first goal. Alvaro Carreras also faced challenges when shifted into central defense, showing signs of discomfort against Talavera’s attacking waves.
The coaching staff led by Xabi Alonso will need to address these defensive issues before their next fixture. His decision to start Endrick paid off handsomely, but other choices raised eyebrows, particularly with Franco Mastantuono struggling to find rhythm after an extended absence from competitive play.
As Real Madrid progresses to the knockout stages of the Copa del Rey, they will hope to build on this victory while tightening their defense. With key matches approaching, including a significant clash against Sevilla this Saturday, maintaining momentum and addressing defensive frailties will be crucial for Alonso and his squad.
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