Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Talavera in the Copa del Rey.
The Primera Federación team managed to frustrate Alonso’s side but a brace from Kylian Mbappé saw Madrid through to the round of 16. Speaking after the game the Alonso broke down the match and didn’t shy away from acknowledging some of his team’s struggles
“That’s the cup. It happens to us and to other teams,” Alonso explained. “At 1-3, which was a key moment, we conceded and they pushed hard. Talavera came alive. We controlled the first half well, but not scoring the third goal to make it 0-3 left the game wide open.”
“The objective was to qualify, and we did that, so I’m leaving satisfied and happy,” he continued. “But we were missing something we’ve talked about before: consistency and being more reliable over the full 90 minutes. We needed to close the game out. In these matches, anything can happen, and we have to show more maturity.”
Another topic of conversation after the game was the form of Kylian Mbappé, who has now scored 56 goals in all competitions in 2025. The Frenchman played the full 90 minutes against Talavera and proved to be the game-winner once again.
“He was decisive with both goals. Kylian always finds a way to score,” Alonso said. “The third goal was crucial, and that’s why we kept him on the field.”
However Alonso was also asked on the degree of reliance on Mbappé, who is far ahead of any other player in the team. Mbappé has 17 La Liga goals so far this season, far ahead of second-place Vinícius Júnior on five.
“The numbers are what they are,” Alonso said. “Rodrygo has also played an important role. We need other players to be that clinical as well. We’ve created plenty of chances all season and, without a doubt, we could have scored more goals.”