Softfootball understands that Real Madrid head into Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey clash against CF Talavera fully expecting to secure a place in the last 16. On paper, this looks routine for Los Blancos, who are among the favourites to lift the trophy again this season.
Real Madrid shared a post of the fixture via their official X account.
View the post below:
Talavera, to their credit, have enjoyed a strong cup run so far. They brushed aside Rayo Majadahonda 4-1 in the opening round before edging Malaga 2-1 at the start of December. Alejandro Sandroni’s side also comes into this one after a narrow 2-1 league win over Merida AD, a result that leaves them sitting seventh with 24 points from 16 matches.
Founded only in 2011, the hosts have never played above the third tier and only returned to that level last season after promotion. They did reach this stage of the Copa del Rey back in 2017-18, but beating Real Madrid would be something else entirely. It’s easily one of the biggest nights in the club’s short history.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, won’t be handing out favours. Xabi Alonso is under pressure to steady things, and results matter right now.
Following a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League, Madrid bounced back with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Alaves on Sunday, pulling the capital side back within four points of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Even so, performances have been inconsistent, with Alonso’s team winning just two of their last nine matches across all competitions.
While La Liga and the Champions League remain the main targets, the Copa del Rey still carries weight at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid have won the competition 20 times, most recently in 2022-23, and they reached last season’s final only to lose a tight 3-2 game against Barcelona.
Team News
Talavera will be without Valen Gomez after the 21-year-old saw red in the previous round against Malaga. That could open the door for Arturo Molina to feature further forward.
Sergio Montero, who scored twice in that Malaga win, is expected to operate from wide areas, while Gonzalo Di Renzo, Talavera’s top scorer this season with four goals, should again lead the line.
Real Madrid regain Endrick, Fran Garcia, and Alvaro Carreras after the trio missed the Alaves game through suspension. Injuries, however, remain a problem. David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy are all still sidelined.
Possible Lineups
CF Talavera:
Gonzalez; Gallardo, Lopez, S Molina, Cuenca; Montero, Pitu, Capo, Arroyo; Di Renzo, A Molina
Real Madrid:
Lunin; F Garcia, Asencio, Carreras, Valdepenas; Ceballos, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Mastantuono, Endrick; G. Garcia
Softfootball’s Prediction
Talavera might take some belief from the fact that Real Madrid are likely to rest a few key names, but even a rotated Madrid side is stacked with quality. Over 90 minutes, that difference should tell, and Alonso’s men are expected to come through without too much trouble.
Prediction: CF Talavera 0-3 Real Madrid
