Real Madrid boss admits “things can happen” in the cup after tight win over spirited Talavera.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso admitted his side’s 3–2 Copa del Rey victory over third-tier Talavera de la Reina on Wednesday was far from straightforward, but insisted he was satisfied with achieving the primary goal: progressing to the last 16.
“The objective was to go through. We did that, so I’m satisfied and happy,” Alonso said after the match. “But we’ve talked about needing more consistency during matches — closing games out with maturity, because things can happen.”
The visitors twice saw their lead cut to a single goal in a tense finale, with Talavera scoring in the 80th and 91st minutes to make the Santiago Bernabéu side sweat until the final whistle.
“These things happen in the cup — to us and to other teams,” Alonso acknowledged. “We controlled the first half well, but not getting that third goal earlier left the game open. At 1–3 we conceded, and they pressed hard.”
Kylian Mbappé’s two goals ultimately proved decisive, including a crucial late strike from outside the box that sealed the result. Alonso praised the French forward’s impact, saying, “He was decisive. Kylian always finds it easy to score goals. That third goal was key — it’s why we kept him on.”
While Mbappé’s brace took the headlines, Alonso also highlighted the contributions of two Castilla players handed first-team debuts: defender David Jiménez and midfielder Jorge Cestero.
“David played a very stable 90 minutes — he doesn’t rush, he crossed well,” the coach said. “And Jorge Cestero is a very exciting project we have at Castilla. I know them well from the season they’re having.”
Asked about the team’s reliance on Mbappé for goals, Alonso pointed to the numbers but called for others to step up. “Rodrygo has played an important role, but we need more people to be effective. We’ve had chances all year and could have scored more, without a doubt.”
Despite the nervy finish, Alonso struck a pragmatic tone about the nature of cup competition. “It was a competitive, exciting tie — a special competition. Mission accomplished. Now let’s see what happens next.”
Real Madrid will discover their last-16 opponents when the draw is held on Friday.
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