Mbappé Reminds Everyone Why Real Madrid Trust Him
For most of the night, it felt like business as usual. Real Madrid dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and looked every bit the giant facing lower-league opposition. Then the final 15 minutes arrived and suddenly, the Copa del Rey reminded everyone why it remains football’s most unpredictable stage.
Kylian Mbappé made sure the script did not turn into a nightmare.
The French superstar scored twice as Real Madrid edged past third-tier Talavera 3-2 in a nervy round of 32 clash, sparing Xabi Alonso’s side from an early exit that would have sent shockwaves across Spain.
A Night That Looked Comfortable Until It Wasn’t
Mbappé opened the scoring shortly before halftime from the penalty spot, showing calm authority in a stadium buzzing with belief from the underdogs. Madrid piled on pressure, and just before the break that pressure told again when Talavera defender Manuel Farrando deflected the ball into his own net under heavy pressure involving Mbappé.
At 2-0, with Madrid controlling the match and several regular starters rested, it felt like the tie was drifting safely toward its conclusion.
But cup football has a way of changing moods quickly.
The Moment Mbappé Shut The Door
Talavera refused to fold. A goal in the 80th minute reignited the home crowd, and nerves crept into Madrid’s play. Just as the tension peaked, Mbappé produced the decisive moment, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box to restore a two-goal cushion.
That goal mattered more than the scoreline suggested.
Talavera struck again deep into stoppage time, forcing a frantic finish that had social media buzzing with disbelief and admiration in equal measure. Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin needed a crucial final save to finally seal progression.
After the match, Alonso admitted Madrid had left the door open. He also made it clear why Mbappé stayed on the pitch. Decisive players win decisive moments.
Mbappé’s Form Is Becoming Impossible To Ignore
The brace took Mbappé to ten goals in his last six matches in all competitions, a run that has shifted the conversation among Madrid supporters. What began as adaptation is quickly becoming authority.
Spanish fans online praised his leadership on a night when younger and fringe players were tested. Many pointed out that this is exactly why Madrid brought him in. Not just for big Champions League nights, but for messy, uncomfortable evenings in places where giants are meant to stumble.
Copa Del Rey Delivers Drama Elsewhere Too
Madrid were not alone in feeling the heat. Atletico Madrid also flirted with disaster, edging past Atletico Baleares 3-2 in a wild away tie. Antoine Griezmann scored twice, but a missed penalty and late pressure kept Diego Simeone’s side on edge until the final whistle.
There was heartbreak for Villarreal, knocked out despite their strong La Liga form, while Celta Vigo exited on penalties after a dramatic draw. Sevilla also bowed out late, underlining how unforgiving this stage of the competition can be.
Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Valencia moved through more smoothly, but the message was clear. No badge guarantees safety in the Copa del Rey.
A Reminder Of Why The Cup Still Matters
For all its chaos, this is why Spanish football treasures the Copa del Rey. It humbles giants, empowers smaller clubs, and demands stars to step forward when comfort disappears.
On this night, Real Madrid survived because their biggest name delivered when it mattered most. Mbappé did not just score goals. He stopped a story that could have haunted Madrid’s season.
And sometimes, that is the most valuable contribution of all.
Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: Real Madrid
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