Kylian Mbappe scores twice as Real Madrid edge past third-tier Talavera 3-2 to reach the Copa del Rey last 16, avoiding a major upset
A brace from Kylian Mbappe helped Real Madrid narrowly avoid a shock defeat at third-division Talavera, securing a 3-2 victory to progress to the Copa del Rey last 16.
The 20-time cup winners faced a stern test away from their Santiago Bernabeu home at Talavera’s modest 6,000-capacity Estadio El Prado.
Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot before a Manu Farrando own goal in first-half stoppage time gave the visitors a 2-0 lead at the break.
Nahuel Arroyo pulled a goal back for the spirited hosts in the 80th minute to set up a tense finale.
Mbappe appeared to seal the win with a strike from outside the box two minutes from time, making it 3-1.
Gonzalo Di Renzo scored in the first minute of injury time for Talavera, but Real Madrid held on for the win.
In other last 32 matches, La Liga side Villarreal suffered a 2-1 upset away at second-division Racing Santander.
Second-tier Albacete knocked out Celta Vigo, winning 3-0 on penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time.
Atletico Madrid, 10-time cup winners, overcame fourth-tier Baleares 3-2 in Palma.
Osasuna needed extra time to defeat second-division Huesca 4-2.
The round began on Tuesday with Barcelona beating third-tier Guadalajara 2-0 thanks to late goals from Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford. – AFP
