Xabi Alonso defended his decision to play Kylian Mbappé for all of Real Madrid's nervous 3-2 Copa del Rey win at Talavera on Wednesday, saying the forward "was decisive with his goals."
Mbappé scored twice and created a third goal as Madrid struggled to beat third-tier Talavera, with Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin making a spectacular added-time save to prevent the hosts from forcing extra time.
The France international is chasing Cristiano Ronaldo's club record of 59 goals in a calendar year -- a mark the Portugal star hit in 2013 -- with his Copa brace taking him to 58 ahead of Madrid's final game of 2025, hosting Sevilla on Saturday.
"[Mbappé] was decisive with his goals," Alonso said in his postmatch news conference. "Kylian always has that knack for scoring. The third goal was key, it was very important, and that's why we kept him on the field.
"Mission accomplished, and on to the next one."
Mbappé was one of a number of key Madrid players to feature against Talavera, with Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Rodrygo all being introduced as late substitutes.
Madrid have now won two games this week -- having beaten Alavés 2-1 in LaLiga on Sunday -- but were again unconvincing.
"These things happen in the cup," Alonso said. "It happened to us, and I've seen it happen to other teams.
"Even after going 1-3 up, we conceded the foul, the 2-3 [free kick], they pressed hard and they got back into the game."
ESPN has reported that Madrid's 2-0 home loss to Celta Vigo on Dec. 7 led senior club executives to discuss Alonso's future in the job.
"The objective [against Talavera] was to progress. We've achieved that, and that's why I leave satisfied and happy," Alonso said on Wednesday. "What we've lacked is consistency, and a consistent performance throughout games, closing off the match and being more mature."
Pecelrtuz
109
It has been always said thr will always be another cr7
Wediorsuz
94
Anyone can break Ronaldo record but it's hard to break some of Messi record , and Ronaldo clearly knows it,that's why he is trying hard to score many goals as possible. we all know Ronaldo is great goal scorer but Messi is the goat... when it comes to scoring goals debate Messi is involved, when it comes to assist debate Messi is involved, when it comes to play maker debate Messi is involved, when it comes to free kick debate Messi is involved and when it comes to trophy debate Messi is involved..he is everywhere
The_Real_Baggio
61
How did Messi score more than 90 goals in a calendar year though? Respect
KasongoWaKenya
39
I hope he scores atleast two goals and break Ronaldo record. He deserves it more.
Scoba2468
31
Am a Barca fan but there’s no way mbappe can do what Ronaldo has done for Madrid Mbappe is great but Ronaldo and Messi is on another level
Barcelonakings
10
It has been always said thr will always be another cr7
Ofcourse I agree with you but it will be hard to find another Messi