David vs. Goliath: Talavera Set to Battle Real Madrid Giants in Copa del Rey Showdown

Prior to Real Madrid enjoying a well-deserved winter break, they must first face Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey's round of 32 stage.

Among all the prestigious trophies available in Spain and across Europe, the Copa del Rey remains the most elusive prize for Los Blancos. The Madrid powerhouse has claimed this tournament only once over the past ten years, with their latest disappointment occurring in last season's championship match against Barcelona.

The 2025–26 season presents a new opportunity for Real Madrid, beginning with a matchup against a weaker adversary in third-division club Talavera. This team, presently sitting 19th in their Primera Federación group, has suffered defeat in eight of their previous 13 fixtures across all tournaments.

Xabi Alonso's squad will welcome the chance to produce an impressive victory on Wednesday night to silence much of the criticism surrounding the team's disappointing stretch over the past month and a half.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the match.

What Time Does Talavera vs. Real Madrid Begin?

Talavera vs. Real Madrid Historical Record

This marks the inaugural encounter between Talavera and Real Madrid.

Recent Form (All Tournaments)

How to View Talavera vs. Real Madrid on Television, Online Stream

Talavera Squad Updates

Valen Gómez will be absent from his team's historic first meeting with Real Madrid due to a suspension. The attacking midfielder received a red card in the Copa del Rey second round and is consequently unavailable for Wednesday's fixture.

The responsibility will fall on Gonzalo Di Renzo to lead the scoring efforts for the home side; the Argentine striker tops the squad with four goals this campaign. Sergio Montero, who netted twice in Talavera's 2–1 victory over Malaga in the second round, can also make an impact.

Jamie González, however, arguably faces the most challenging assignment on the field. The shot-stopper has the difficult responsibility of attempting to deny Real Madrid from finding the net.

Talavera Expected Formation vs. Real Madrid

Talavera expected formation vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2): González; Gallardo, López, S. Molina, Cuenca; Montero, Pitu, Capó, Arroyo; Di Renzo, A. Molina.

Real Madrid Squad Updates

Despite the recent comebacks of Dean Huijsen, Kylian Mbappé and Franco Mastantuono from their injuries, Real Madrid continue to be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. Additionally, Brahim Díaz is representing Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The positive development for Alonso is that Fran García, Álvaro Carreras and Endrick have returned from their suspensions and are ready for selection on Wednesday night, though only García is expected to start.

With many of Los Blancos' top stars getting a rest, Real Madrid Castilla talents David Jiménez, Víctor Valdepeñas and Thiago Pitarch might appear in Alonso's starting eleven, alongside Gonzalo García.

Real Madrid Expected Formation vs. Talavera

Real Madrid expected formation vs. Talavera (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Jiménez, Asencio, Valdepeñas; Pitarch, Ceballos; Mastantuono, Güler, Rodrygo; G. García.

Talavera vs. Real Madrid Result Forecast

Even with the majority of their key players resting, Real Madrid should face no difficulty advancing past Talavera. From promising Castilla prospects to reserve players eager to make their mark, the Spanish powerhouse possesses sufficient talent to achieve a commanding victory against a third-tier Spanish club.

Alonso's team will comfortably progress to the round of 16 at Talavera's expense. The home team will struggle to even register a goal in what promises to be an extremely lopsided affair.

Forecast: Talavera 0–3 Real Madrid