Talavera vs Real Madrid: 2-3 Score, Mbappé Brace

For 85 minutes on December 17, it seemed like one of those Copa del Rey nights that Spanish football loves to talk about. Fourth-tier Talavera had Real Madrid on the ropes at Estadio Municipal El Prado, and the scoreline read 1-2. Then Kylian Mbappé stepped up twice, a Manuel Farrando own goal flew in, and the eventual 3-2 result saved the record Champions from a seismic upset—though not before Gonzalo Di Renzo made it uncomfortably close in stoppage time.

Final Score: Talavera 2-3 Real Madrid · Date: 17 Dec 2025 · Competition: Copa del Rey · Mbappé Goals: 2 · Venue: Talavera de la Reina

Who scored Real Madrid vs Talavera?

Kylian Mbappé delivered what his coach would later call a match-winning performance, converting a penalty at the 41st minute before adding an 88th-minute strike that restored a two-goal cushion—though it proved barely enough (ESPN match report). Between those Mbappé goals, Talavera defender Manuel Farrando redirected a Madrid cross into his own net at 45’+1, leaving the score 3-0 at the break.

Kylian Mbappé’s contribution

The French forward’s first goal came from the penalty spot after a Talavera challenge inside the box, sending goalkeeper González the wrong way with a right-footed strike to his left. His second goal, described by AS sports daily as a right-footed shot from outside the box, proved decisive after Talavera had pulled one back through Arroyo. The brace moved Mbappé dangerously close to Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar-year scoring record for Real Madrid, though he remains one goal short of equalling that milestone.

Talavera goals

The hosts finally broke through in the 80th minute when Nahuel Arroyo finished from close range after a set piece in the box, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and sparking celebrations among the home faithful at Estadio El Prado. Real Madrid’s response was swift—Mbappé’s second goal two minutes into injury time appeared to have killed the tie at 3-1. But Sofascore live scores records show Gonzalo Di Renzo struck in the 90+1st minute with a left-footed shot following another set piece, making the closing stages agonizing for Madrid fans before the 94th-minute final whistle.

Where can I watch Talavera CF vs Real Madrid live?

For viewers in Spain, RTVE public broadcaster (the official public broadcaster) provided full match coverage and highlights. International audiences could follow live scores through Sofascore score platform, which offered minute-by-minute updates and verified goal timings.

TV channels

ESPN’s global network provided English-language commentary across its sports platforms, with ESPN sports network publishing the primary match report used by international audiences. The Copa del Rey’s third-round broadcast schedule typically splits rights between regional carriers and national broadcasters.

Live streams

Post-match highlights appeared on YouTube Mbappé highlight reel and YouTube full match highlights, offering visual confirmation of the match timeline. WorldFootball record archive maintained the official head-to-head record for the fixture.

Real Madrid avoided a seismic shock in the Copa del Rey with a scrappy 3-2 victory over fourth-tier Talavera.
ESPN News Services

Which stadium is Talavera vs Real Madrid?

The match took place at Estadio Municipal El Prado in Talavera de la Reina, a city of approximately 83,000 residents in Toledo province, Castilla-La Mancha. The stadium, also known simply as El Prado, serves as the home venue for CF Talavera de la Reina and holds a modest capacity that creates an intimate atmosphere against visiting giants.

Stadium details

Talavera de la Reina lies roughly 130 kilometres southwest of Madrid, making it a manageable journey for Real Madrid’s squad while still representing meaningful distance from the capital. WhoScored match database records the match as a third-round Copa del Rey fixture, confirming the round-of-32 position in the tournament bracket. The venue’s relatively small footprint meant Real Madrid’s global fanbase watched through digital channels rather than filling stands.

What was the Talavera vs Real Madrid score?

The final score reads Talavera 2-3 Real Madrid, a result verified across multiple sources including ESPN match center, Sofascore live data, and ESPN UK coverage. The match produced five goals from five different sources—Mbappé (twice), Farrando’s unfortunate own goal, Arroyo, and Di Renzo.

Full time result

Real Madrid survived a late scare to advance, with AS newspaper report documenting how the defending champions led 3-1 before Talavera’s Di Renzo goal in the 93rd minute tightened the finish. The aggregate head-to-head between these clubs now shows one match played, Real Madrid one win, aggregate 3-2.

Key moments

• 41′ — Mbappé penalty (0-1)
• 45’+1 — Farrando own goal (0-2)
• 80′ — Arroyo goal (1-2)
• 88′ — Mbappé strike (1-3)
• 90’+1 — Di Renzo goal (2-3)

Talavera vs Real Madrid stats

The match statistics reveal a significant disparity in quality between the sides despite the close scoreline. Real Madrid dominated possession and created the clearer chances, though Talavera’s application and late-game intensity forced the visitors into uncomfortable defensive work.

H2H stats

As recorded by WorldFootball statistical database, this was the first-ever meeting between the clubs in any official competition. The 3-2 aggregate represents the only data point in the head-to-head record, with Real Madrid holding a perfect record against Talavera.

Match stats

WhoScored match analysis confirms the halftime score of 0-2 accurately reflected Real Madrid’s first-half dominance. However, Talavera’s second-half fightback—scoring twice in eleven minutes—demonstrated their willingness to compete despite the gulf in resources and status. Goalkeeper Lunin’s interventions proved crucial in maintaining Madrid’s lead during Talavera’s purple patch.

The implication: Real Madrid’s defensive inconsistencies against lower-tier sides could prove costly as the competition progresses.

El Real Madrid se ha impuesto este miércoles al Talavera en el Estadio Municipal de Fútbol del Prado en la localidad toledana (2-3).
RTVE Spanish public broadcaster

Mbappé’s brace clinched Real Madrid’s tense 3-2 victory over Talavera in the Copa del Rey, much like the drama captured in German match coverageGerman match coverage{/link>.

Frequently asked questions

For Real Madrid’s supporters, the result offers relief but little comfort. Their team scraped past a fourth-tier opponent without keeping a clean sheet, and the post-holiday schedule—including reportedly Sevilla in LaLiga—will test whether this narrow escape was an anomaly or a symptom of deeper structural issues. Mbappé’s individual brilliance continues to paper over defensive cracks, but Copa del Rey ties against progressively stronger opposition may expose limits that Tuesday’s performance already hinted at. Against teams with superior firepower, a 3-2 margin against Talavera may not repeat itself in time to matter.