Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid learn their opponents for 2025-26 Copa del Rey Round of 32
With Real Madrid set to begin their Copa del Rey campaign later this month, they have learned their first opponents in the cup competition.
The Merengues are one among four La Liga teams that will enter the cup competition in the Round of 32 stages, alongside Real Madrid, Athletic Club, and Atletico Madrid, all of whom will be competing in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia next month.
Prior to that, though, they will have to tackle the Round of 32 in Copa del Rey in a one-off away tie against a team from the lower leagues – Ourense, Atletico Baleares, Guadalajara, Real Murcia, CF Talavera and Eldense were the possible opponents.
Now, the draw, conducted today at the RFEF Headquarters at Las Rozas has seen Real Madrid get paired against CF Talavera.
🏆🆚 ¡El @CFTalavera será nuestro rival en dieciseisavos de la Copa del Rey!@adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/M567DLl9le
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 9, 2025
Real Madrid, who lost last season’s Copa del Rey against FC Barcelona, will hope to go the distance in the cup competition this time around, starting with an away game against Talavera at Estadio Municipal El Pra.
Talavera, who will face Real Madrid for the first time in the club’s history, made to this stage of the competition after beating Rayo Majadahonda and Malaga in the previous two rounds of the competition.
The Copa del Rey Round of 32 fixtures will take place between December 16-18.
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.
