The Copa del Rey returns with Real Madrid facing their first test of this year's competition. At the modest Estadio El Prado in Talavera de la Reina, Xabi Alonso's side will encounter a third-tier opponent for the first time in official competition. But the team sheet tells a story that few expected.
Mbappé starts: a statement or a concern?
The biggest surprise of the evening comes from the confirmed lineup. Kylian Mbappé starts against a Primera Federación side – a decision that raises eyebrows. After missing the recent Manchester City clash, this Copa del Rey tie against Talavera appeared to be another opportunity for rest before the busy festive period.
Instead, Xabi Alonso has deployed his French superstar alongside Endrick in attack, with young Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono returning to the starting XI after recovering from his pubalgia injury. The message is clear: no complacency, no matapartidos.
The full Real Madrid lineup reads: Lunin; David Jiménez, Huijsen, Á. Carreras, Fran García; Arda Güler, D. Ceballos, Mastantuono; Gonzalo, Mbappé, Endrick.
Talavera's Cup fairytale
For CF Talavera de la Reina, tonight represents the biggest match in their history. The club, currently sitting 20th in Primera Federación's Group 1 with just 12 points, has already punched above their weight in this Copa del Rey campaign.
Their road to the Round of 32:
- First Round: 4-1 victory away at Rayo Majadahonda
- Second Round: 2-1 triumph over Málaga at home
Manager Alejandro Sandroni has crafted a team that thrives on cup competition chaos. The victory over Málaga – a club with genuine Segunda División pedigree – demonstrated that Talavera possess the defensive organisation and counter-attacking threat to trouble bigger opponents.
Tactical preview: how this match will unfold
Xabi Alonso's rotation maintains Real Madrid's structural integrity despite the personnel changes. The 4-3-3 system remains, with Dani Ceballos anchoring the midfield and providing the metronome passing that dictates tempo.
Key tactical battles to watch:
1. Mastantuono's return: The 17-year-old Argentine was becoming a regular starter before injury struck. His ability to drift between lines and create from half-spaces will be crucial against a compact Talavera defence that will sit deep and protect their box.
2. Arda Güler's positioning: The Turkish playmaker operates as a right-sided interior, cutting inside onto his lethal left foot. Against lower-block opposition, his long-range shooting becomes vital – expect him to attempt several efforts from distance.
3. Castilla connection: David Jiménez earns a start at right-back, another Castilla graduate getting his opportunity. The integration of academy players has been a hallmark of Xabi Alonso's tenure, and performances in Copa del Rey are auditions for bigger stages.
Historical context: first ever meeting
This represents the first official competitive encounter between Real Madrid and Talavera in any competition. The two clubs exist in parallel universes – one a European giant with 15 Champions League titles, the other fighting relegation in Spain's third tier.
Yet the Copa del Rey has always been the great equaliser in Spanish football. Talavera's players will run through walls tonight. The 6,000 capacity El Prado will generate an atmosphere that belies its modest infrastructure. For many in attendance, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Real Madrid's away form: a quiet strength
Madrid arrive in Castilla-La Mancha with impressive road statistics. Their last four away fixtures have yielded three victories and one draw, with 10 goals scored (2.5 per game average). The clinical edge that has defined Xabi Alonso's attacking philosophy travels well.
Against Alavés last weekend, Madrid secured another away win at Mendizorroza, maintaining momentum ahead of the cup adventure. The objective is straightforward: secure passage to the Round of 16 before Saturday's league encounter with Sevilla at the Bernabéu.
Bench strength suggests seriousness
The substitutes available to Xabi Alonso underline Real Madrid's depth and intent. Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr, and Rodrygo all sit in reserve – a trio capable of changing any match in an instant.
This represents both insurance policy and tactical flexibility. Should Talavera's resistance prove stubborn, Madrid can introduce world-class reinforcements. It's a luxury few clubs possess, and it makes Copa del Rey progression feel almost inevitable.
Verdict: Madrid to advance but respect the occasion
Real Madrid will progress. The quality differential is simply too vast. But the manner of victory matters – both for squad rhythm heading into the festive schedule and for the development of fringe players seeking to prove their worth.
Talavera deserve their moment under the lights. They've earned this stage through genuine cup merit. For 90 minutes, they'll compete against one of football's most decorated institutions, and the memories will last forever regardless of the scoreline.
Kick-off: 21:00 CET at Estadio El Prado, Talavera de la Reina.
