Real Madrid visit Talavera in a single-elimination game to advance to the Copa del Rey’s Round of 16. Xabi Alonso will be expected to make some rotations and crucial starters like Mbappé, Vinicius or Bellingham will likely be rested, although Madrid’s starting XI will be solid enough to secure the win and buy Xabi Alonso some more time.
Real Madrid predicted XI: Lunin, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras, Fran Garcia, Tchouameni, Güler, Pitarch, Mastantuono, Rodrygo, Gonzalo.
Mastantuono will likely start his
first game after recovering from his pubalgia. The Argentinian wonder kid was a regular starter before his injury and will try to gain some momentum.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM COPA DEL REY
Date: 12/17/2025
Time: 21:00 CET, 03:00pm EST.
Venue: El Prado, Talavera de la Reina, Spain.
Available TV: TVE (Spain).
Available Streaming: ESPN+ (USA)
Managing Madrid has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.
