"Real Madrid survived a nervy finish to beat third-tier Talavera 3-2 and reach the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, with Andriy Lunin making a spectacular late save to prevent extra time. Madrid - 20-time victors in the competition and runners-up to Barcelona last year - selected several big names after a poor run of form left Xabi Alonso's position as head coach in question, but they were far from comfortable at the Estadio El Prado."
"Kylian Mbappe, who is still hoping to equal or better Cristiano Ronaldo's 21st-century record of 59 goals in a single year for Madrid, worked home goalkeeper Jaime Gonzalez early on. And after Endrick went close from a tight angle, Mbappe netted Madrid's opener from the penalty spot in the 41st minute, after Marcos Moreno was penalised for heading against his own arm from a Madrid corner."
"It looked like Madrid had finally done enough when Mbappe's speculative shot from distance squirmed past Gonzalez in the 88th minute, but there was more drama to come. In the first of three additional minutes, Isaiah Navarro's curling free-kick was tipped onto the crossbar by Andriy Lunin, and Gonzalo Di Renzo was quickest to the loose ball to prod home."
Real Madrid defeated third-tier Talavera 3-2 to reach the Copa del Rey last 16. Andriy Lunin made a late match-winning save to prevent extra time. Madrid selected several big names despite recent poor form that has left Xabi Alonso's position under scrutiny. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, converting a 41st-minute penalty and an 88th-minute strike, and assisted the second when his cutback deflected in off Manu Farrando. Talavera responded with goals including Gonzalo Di Renzo's stoppage-time finish. Mbappe has 58 goals for Madrid in 2025, one short of Cristiano Ronaldo's 2013 tally of 59.
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