Real Madrid kick off their 2025-26 Copa del Rey campaign with a trip West to take on CF Talavera on Wednesday.
Los Blancos are fresh off a much-needed 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves on Sunday thanks to a 76th minute strike by Rodrygo to break the deadlock. The victory allowed Xabi Alonso's squad to keep pace with FC Barcelona near the top of the La Liga table, still sitting four points behind their eternal rivals.
Madrid have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, dropping points in six of their last nine matches in all competitions, losing to Manchester City, Celta Vigo and Liverpool in that span.
They're still set to automatically qualify for the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League, sitting seventh in the league phase standings with four wins and 12 points through six games.
The Galacticos are looking for retribution after reaching the final of the Copa del Rey last season, only to fall 3-2 in extra time to Barcelona in a dramatic affair.
CF Talavera, meanwhile, occupies 19th position in the Primera Federacion – Grupo 1 standings, which is the third division of Spanish football. They defeated Rayo Majadahonda and Malaga in the first two rounds of the competition to book their date with Real Madrid in the Round of 32.
Real Madrid and CF Talavera have never faced each other before.
Real Madrid vs CF Talavera Betting Odds
franco mastantuono
Real Madrid to win: -1000
Draw: +750
CF Talavera to win: +2000
Both teams to score (Yes/No): +140 / -180
Over/Under 3.5 goals: +104 / -128
Rodrygo first goalscorer: +490
Franco Mastantuono anytime goalscorer: +110
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.
Where to Watch Real Madrid vs CF Talavera
Rodrygo celebrating after scoring for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League
When: Wednesday, December 17th – 3PM ET / 12PM PT
Where: Municipal El Prado, Talavera
Where to Watch in the United States: ESPN+
Real Madrid Team News and Predicted Lineup
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso reacts
Xabi Alonso will undoubtedly rotate his lineup on Wednesday, giving some of his squad's depth pieces valuable minutes.
Andriy Lunin should be between the sticks, and we could see a first start for academy product Victor Valdepeñas alongside Dean Huijsen in the middle of defense.
Thiago Pitarch could also get a start in midfield, likely alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Güler.
Endrick could be in contention to start as the No. 9, but considering his lack of playing time this season, Alonso might prefer to go with the proven goalscorer in Gonzalo Garcia.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Andriy Lunin (GK) – Fran Garcia, Victor Valdepeñas, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio – Thiago Pitarch, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Güler – Rodrygo, Gonzalo Garcia, Franco Mastantuono.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso reacts Related
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