Talavera vs Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe late strike saves Los Blancos from Copa del Rey disappointment

In continuing his goalscoring heroics this season, Kylian Mbappe's late strike helped Real Madrid avoid a Copa del Rey disaster, as they beat Talavera 3–2 to advance into the Round of 16 of the competition.

An own goal and a Kylian Mbappe penalty helped Los Blancos take a two-goal lead into half time. Nahuel Arroyo pulled one back for this hosts before Mbappe made it 3–1.

Mbappé's goal ensured that Gonzalo di Renzo strike later in the game did not force extra time. With the victory, Real Madrid have now won consecutive matches for the first time since the first of November.

In an unexpectedly tough cup tie at Estadio El Prado, Real Madrid were pushed all the way by spirited minnows Talavera.

Los Blancos dominated the opening exchanges before the breakthrough came in the 41st minute, when Kylian Mbappé was brought down in the box and converted the resulting penalty with calm precision to make it 1–0. 

Moments later, Madrid doubled their advantage when Manuel Farrando turned a dangerous cutback into his own net in first-half stoppage time, putting the visitors firmly in control at 2–0. 

Talavera pulled one back in the 80th minute through Nahuel Arroyo, whose finish gave the hosts second-tier giant-kill hope, but Mbappé restored Madrid’s two-goal cushion in the 88th minute, firing a clinical strike from outside the area to make it 3–1 and effectively stem the tide. 

With Talavera refusing to go quietly, Gonzalo Di Renzo pulled another back in second-half stoppage time, but Real Madrid managed the closing moments to secure the victory and progression.