Real Madrid's Rising Stars Set to Shine as Copa del Rey Opportunity Beckons Against Talavera
Real Madrid's journey toward Copa del Rey glory kicks off on Wednesday night as they face third-tier opponents Talavera de la Reina.
Just eight months prior, Los Blancos were forced to witness Barcelona celebrate their 2024–25 Copa del Rey triumph—Jules Koundé's extra-time strike in the final crushed Real Madrid's hopes of securing a major piece of silverware.
The 15-time European champions will be determined to put those heartbreaking moments behind them with a commanding performance in their inaugural Copa del Rey run under Xabi Alonso. The club was handed a kind round of 32 pairing, facing off against Talavera, who find themselves just one point above the relegation zone in their Primera Federación division.
This fixture provides a welcome break for an injury-plagued Real Madrid squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and David Alaba remain sidelined, while Brahim Díaz is away representing Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Here's how Real Madrid might set up for their Copa del Rey encounter.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Talavera (4-2-3-1)
GK: Andriy Lunin—The Ukrainian goalkeeper is set to earn his second start of the campaign, allowing Thibaut Courtois some valuable rest.
RB: David Jiménez—Having been selected by Alonso on three occasions this season, the Real Madrid Castilla graduate Jiménez will have his opportunity to shine at right-back.
CB: Raúl Asencio—It remains uncertain whether Alonso will opt for Asencio or the recently recovered Dean Huijsen, though the former appears to have the edge.
CB: Víctor Valdepeñas—The 19-year-old made a strong impression during his weekend debut on the left wing, but may be repositioned to center-back for this Copa del Rey tie—a role he's familiar with from his youth career.
LB: Fran García—Having completed his suspension, the Spanish defender adds first-team expertise to what is otherwise a youthful defensive unit.
CM: Thiago Pitarch—The promising midfielder is anticipated to make his bow on Wednesday night. An impressive showing could secure Pitarch additional playing time moving forward, considering the team's ongoing midfield challenges.
CM: Dani Ceballos—Ceballos is favored to partner Pitarch, though the 29-year-old is dealing with illness that might open the door for Jorge Cestero to potentially earn his debut.
AM: Arda Güler—The Turkish international will operate as the number 10 with Jude Bellingham given a breather. Güler's creative abilities should prove overwhelming for Talavera's defense.
RW: Franco Mastantuono—This round of 32 match presents the ideal moment for Mastantuono to claim his first start since recovering from injury.
ST: Gonzalo García—Yet to find the net in 2025–26, Gonzalo has an excellent chance to break his duck against a vulnerable defensive setup.
LW: Rodrygo—Having seen limited action at the season's start, Rodrygo will embrace any chance to feature, particularly after scoring in his previous two appearances.
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