Before Real Madrid can look ahead to a much-needed holiday break, they first must take on Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey round of 32.
Of all the major trophies in Spain and Europe, the Copa del Rey continues to be the most illusive for Los Blancos. The Spanish giants have topped the competition just once in the last decade, with their most recent failure coming in last season’s final against Barcelona.
The 2025–26 campaign offers a fresh start for Real Madrid, one that kicks off against an inferior opponent in third-tier side Talavera. The club, currently 19th in its section of the Primera Federación, has lost eight of its last 13 matches across all competitions.
Xabi Alonso’s men will relish at the opportunity to deliver a statement win on Wednesday evening to quiet much of the noise surrounding the team’s poor run of form over the last six weeks.
Valen Gómez will miss out on his side’s first-ever clash with Real Madrid due to suspension. The winger was sent off in the Copa del Rey second round and therefore is ineligible for selection on Wednesday night.
The pressure will be on Gonzalo Di Renzo to carry the goalscoring load for the hosts; the Argentine leads the team with four goals this season. Sergio Montero, who bagged a brace in Talavera’s 2–1 win over Malaga in the second round, can also contribute.
Jamie González, meanwhile, arguably has the hardest job on the pitch. The goalkeeper has the tough task of trying to keep Real Madrid off the scoresheet.
Despite the recent returns of Dean Huijsen, Kylian Mbappé and Franco Mastantuono from injury, Real Madrid are still without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. Plus, Brahim Díaz is with Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The good news for Alonso is Fran García, Álvaro Carreras and Endrick are back from suspension and available for selection on Wednesday evening, though only the former is in line to start.
With most of Los Blancos’ biggest names getting the night off, Real Madrid Castilla standouts David Jiménez, Víctor Valdepeñas and Thiago Pitarch could feature in Alonso’s XI, along with Gonzalo García.
