Real Madrid made a far-from-convincing start to their Copa del Rey campaign, edging past minnows Talavera in a tie that raised more questions than it answered. On paper, this was supposed to be a routine night for the Spanish giants. On the pitch, it turned into a warning shot.

The turning point of the match may well have been the costly mistakes made by Talavera’s goalkeeper. Without those errors, the outcome could have looked very different — and Real Madrid know it.

For Andriy Lunin, it was a night of contrasts. The Ukrainian goalkeeper led Real Madrid out as captain, but ended up conceding twice. Crucially, neither goal could fairly be pinned on him, with defensive disorganisation leaving him exposed.

In fact, Lunin proved decisive at the death. His stunning last-gasp save prevented Talavera from making it 3–3, a moment that could have sent shockwaves through Spanish football. Instead, it preserved Real Madrid’s narrow escape and avoided extra-time drama.

2025-26, Spain - Copa del Rey

Talavera - Real 2:3 (0:2)
Goals: Mbappé, 41 (penalty) (0:1); Farrando, 45 (own goal) (0:2); Arroyo N., 80 (1:2); Mbappé, 88 (1:3); Di Renzo, 90 (2:3)

Talavera: Farrando; Di Renzo
Bench: Arroyo N.

Real: Lunin Andriy; Fernandez Ál.; García Fr.; Huijsen; Jimenez D.; Güler A.; García G.; Dani Ceballos; Mastantuono; Endrick; Mbappé
Bench: Gonzalez Fran; Valdepenas; Tchouaméni; Pitarch; Bellingham; Vinícius Júnior; Rodrygo