Real Madrid News
CF Talavera – Everything you need to know about Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey Round of 32 opponent
While Real Madrid are gearing up for a tense start to the year, especially amid question marks over Xabi Alonso’s future, the club will have another challenge on their hands: the Copa Del Rey.
The Spanish giants have been pitted against CF Talavera in the Round of 32 of the Spanish cup, with the match scheduled to be played on December 17.
Who are CF Talavera?
CF Talavera currently ply their trade in Primera Federacion, Group 1, where they compete with CD Guadalajara, who will incidentally face Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona in the same round.
Talavera arrive in this stage of the competition after overcoming Rayo Majadahonda and pulling off a surprise victory against Malaga in the earlier rounds.
Their domestic season in Primera RFEF, however, has been far from straightforward.They are, however, standing in the bottom of the pile.
Although they possess dangerous players like Sergio Montero, the team remains in 20th place, fighting to escape from the bottom of the table.
🤯 ¡¡¡LOCURA EN EL VESTUARIO DEL @CFTalavera!!
— RFEF (@rfef) December 9, 2025
El estadio El Prado recibirá al @realmadrid en Copa.
🎙️ "Estamos muy contentos, hay que aprovechar y disfrutar de un día inolvidable".
🗣️ Edu Gallardo.#CopaDelReyMAPFRE | #LaCopaMola🏆 pic.twitter.com/kIrqzVyh4z
Leading up to this fixture, Talavera endured a particularly challenging spell. Across their recent run, they have suffered six consecutive defeats, a streak that resulted in the dismissal of Diego Nogales and the arrival of Argentine coach Alejandro Sandroni.
CF Talavera play their matches at the Municipal Football Stadium of El Prado, a ground with a capacity of just 5,000 spectators.
The upcoming visit of Real Madrid will undoubtedly be one of the most high-profile events in the club’s modern history, providing a showcase occasion for their fans and players alike.
Their squad features several connections to Spanish football’s elite. Top scorer Gonzalo Di Renzo leads the line, while defenders Fran Rodríguez and David Cuenca, along with midfielder Arturo Molina, all of whom came through the Real Madrid youth system.
But for now, Real Madrid will be focusing on their Wednesday night encounter against Manchester City, which could prove to be a litmus test for Alonso.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
