It's Copa del Rey week in Spain, and Real Madrid are on the road against Primera Federación side Talavera. The game takes place at El Prado, which has a capacity of around 4,200 supporters.
Xabi Alonso has made several changes to the team, resting some of the big names. He can call upon them from the bench if things are not going to plan. However, the team he has selected should get the result.
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin comes in for Thibaut Courtois, as he usually does for the cup games in previous seasons. Defensively, it was tough for Alonso to select a back four. Raul Asencio was ruled out with a fever and was expected to start at right-back, giving Fede Valverde a rest. Academy player David Jiménez comes in to make his full senior debut.
🗺️ Your kick-off times around the world!
✈️ @Emirates pic.twitter.com/rkk7qifDPp
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 17, 2025
Dean Huijsen starts at center-back four alongside the usual left-back Álvaro Carreras. The 22-year-old Spaniard will be suspended for this weekend's La Liga game against Sevilla after his straight red card against Celta Vigo. Fran Garcia starts at left-back after he missed the previous game due to a suspension.
In midfield, Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni start on the bench. It gives Franco Mastantuono and Dani Ceballos an opportunity, with the former making his first start in several games after returning from injury a few games back. Arda Guler also starts in midfield.
Up top, Gonzalo Garcia gets another start alongside Endrick and Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman is a surprise starter, but with Cristiano Ronaldo's record in sight, it's an obvious decision.
Real Madrid Starting Lineup vs Talavera:
Real Madrid footbal
IMAGO / Ball Raw Images
13. Lunin
35. D. Jimenez
24. Huijsen
18. A. Carreras
20. F. Garcia
19. Ceballos
15. Guler
30. Mastantuono
16. Garcia
10. Mbappe
9. Endrick
📋✅ Our starting XI!
🆚 @CFTalavera pic.twitter.com/46vadrYwe2
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 17, 2025
The Latest Real Madrid News
Transcript: Xabi Alonso Comments On Possible Endrick Start Ahead of Talavera vs Real Madrid in Copa Del Rey
Kylian Mbappe Wins Lawsuit Against Former Club
CF Talavera vs Real Madrid Preview: Start Time, Team News, How To Watch, Live Stream & Odds
Real Madrid Transfer News: Valdepeñas, Dalot, Endrick & More - December 15, 2025