Real Madrid escape shock as Talavera push giants to the brink in Copa del Rey thriller
Real Madrid survived a monumental scare in Toledo as they edged past third-division Talavera 3–2 in a breathtaking Copa del Rey tie that will be remembered as much for Madrid’s relief as for Talavera’s courage.
It was an enormous let-off for the European champions—and one that may still do little to ease the growing pressure on head coach Xabi Alonso.
Facing a side ranked 19th in Spain’s third tier, Madrid were second-best for large periods of a gripping contest in which Talavera came agonisingly close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in Spanish cup history. The hosts scored twice late on and even saw a dramatic header brilliantly saved in the dying seconds as Madrid clung on.
Talavera set the tone with an outstanding first-half performance, pressing aggressively and unsettling their illustrious opponents. Madrid struggled to impose themselves and were fortunate to reach the interval level, having been repeatedly tested by a fearless home side.
READ MORE: PSG win FIFA Intercontinental Cup after dramatic penalty shootout victory over Flamengo
The visitors finally broke through early in the second half when Kylian Mbappé converted from the penalty spot to give Madrid the lead. Moments later, misfortune struck for Talavera as Farrando, attempting to deal with pressure in his own box, diverted the ball into his own net, handing Madrid a seemingly comfortable 2–0 advantage.
Despite the scoreline, Talavera refused to fold. Goalkeeper González produced a string of superb saves to keep his side in contention, ensuring the deficit remained manageable heading into the final ten minutes.
That resistance was rewarded in spectacular fashion. Molina surged down the right flank before slipping Farrando in behind the Madrid defence. The defender redeemed himself with a perfectly weighted low cross that evaded every white shirt and found substitute Arroyo, who finished clinically at the back post to ignite the stadium.
Just as belief surged through the home crowd, Madrid appeared to land the decisive blow. In the 88th minute, Mbappé’s low strike from distance slipped agonisingly under González, restoring a two-goal cushion and seemingly ending the contest.
READ MORE: Dembele wins FIFA Best Men's Player of the Year – Full List of winners
But the drama was far from over. Deep into stoppage time, Navarro struck a dipping free kick that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly for Di Renzo, who smashed it home in the 91st minute to spark renewed hope and set up a frantic finale.
With seconds remaining, Talavera came within inches of immortality. Navarro rose to meet a final delivery, his header bound for the corner, only for Andriy Lunin to produce a stunning reflex save that preserved Madrid’s slender lead.
The statistics underlined Talavera’s heroics. The hosts generated 1.78 expected goals to Madrid’s 2.93 and registered 16 shots against opponents sitting 59 places above them in the Spanish football pyramid.
For Real Madrid, the victory brings progression but little comfort. The sense of relief may be short-lived for Alonso, whose position remains under intense scrutiny ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash with Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu.
For Talavera, defeat brings pride rather than regret—a heroic performance that pushed one of Europe’s giants to the brink and left an indelible mark on an unforgettable night in Toledo.
