Real Madrid Star Delivers Brutal Assessment After Copa del Rey Near-Disaster Shakes Club

Talavera's shot-stopper Jaime González delivered a scathing critique of Real Madrid's display following Wednesday's Copa del Rey encounter against the Spanish powerhouse, mocking the "incredible" approach Carlo Ancelotti's team employed to barely avoid a monumental shock.

Jaime displayed remarkable assurance for a goalkeeper who had just allowed three goals, including a final embarrassing error when Kylian Mbappé's straightforward strike bounced awkwardly off the irregular surface and slipped through his hands. Madrid advanced to the last 16 with a 3–2 victory but needed their own keeper, Andriy Lunin, to produce a crucial stop in added time to prevent a stunning leveler from the third-division side.

Madrid controlled the opening period at the 6,000-seat Estadio El Prado, restricting their opponents to merely one shot on goal while Jaime's net came under constant bombardment. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 41st minute from twelve yards before securing a second just before the interval. Dancing along the touchline, Madrid's prolific striker delivered a cross into the area that deflected off Manuel Farrando and crossed the line as an own goal.

The second period told a completely different tale.

"Real Madrid resorted to simply launching the ball forward, dropping deep, and killing time," Jaime remarked dismissively, as reported by MARCA, characterizing Ancelotti's team's general strategy as "incredible."

Throughout the remaining 45 minutes, Talavera—a club currently fighting against demotion in Spain's third division—registered more attempts and accumulated superior xG compared to their prestigious opponents. Nahuel Arroyo reduced the margin in the 80th minute to create a tense finale before Mbappé's hopeful strike eluded Jaime.

"It took a poor bounce and I couldn't reach it," he lamented, recalling with amusement how Jude Bellingham and Mbappé had subsequently expressed their sympathy.

Talavera refused to surrender. As supporters chanted their goalkeeper's name in spirited encouragement, the home team clawed back to 3–2, with Gonzalo Di Renzo converting after Isaiah Navarro's magnificent free-kick struck the woodwork. Navarro threatened again in the 93rd minute, forcing Lunin into action to preserve Madrid's dignity. Carlo Ancelotti remained unfazed.

Second Half Statistics

Statistics courtesy of FotMob.

Ancelotti: I Return Home Content

Following last week's setback against Manchester City, the triumph over Alavés seems to have granted Ancelotti temporary reprieve in the Real Madrid hot seat. That 2–1 success wasn't significantly more impressive than this week's anxious cup progression, but Ancelotti is concentrating solely on outcomes presently.

"Our aim was progression so I return home content," he informed the gathered press. "These situations occur in the Copa, and they've affected other teams too.

"They applied pressure and Talavera truly found their rhythm with their supporters driving them forward. In the opening half, we managed the match effectively and established our advantage, but our inability to secure a third goal kept the contest alive and that's what we witnessed at the conclusion.

"It was a battling second period. We pursued the third goal early and created opportunities to achieve it, but it wasn't meant to be. It was a thrilling cup elimination match. It's a unique tournament. Mission accomplished and forward to the next challenge."

Precisely when Ancelotti will establish the target of decisively defeating third-tier strugglers without depending on fortunate ball bounces remains uncertain. Currently, his attention turns to overcoming Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday through whatever means required.