Real Madrid faces CF Talavera this Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. The game takes place at Estádio Municipal El Prado, at Talavera de la Reina, at Espanha, at 9pm local time (5pm Brasília time). Xabi Alonso must use a mixed lineup, with rotations to preserve starters.
CF Talavera, from the third division, does not record significant absences. The team must repeat its recent formation to seek a surprise against the Merengue giants.
Probable lineup for CF Talavera
Coach Héctor Sandroni opts for the 4-2-3-1 formation or similar variations. The basis comes from previous matches in the competition.
- Goalkeeper: Jaime González
- Defense: David Cuenca, Álvaro López, Sergi Molina and Aleix Roig
- Midfield: Pedro Capó, Isaiah Navarro and others like Arturo Molina
- Attack: Valen Gómez, Gonzalo Di Renzo and Sergio Montero
The team bets on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks. Jogadores like Di Renzo and Montero lead the offensive sector.
Expected formation of Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso promotes broad changes to the main cast. Jovens from the base and reserves gain opportunities in a confrontation considered more accessible.
- Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin
- Defense: Álvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio (or substitute for recent fever) and Fran García
- Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler and Dani Ceballos or Thiago Pitarch
- Attack: Franco Mastantuono, Rodrygo and Gonzalo García
Rodrygo plays in a central position or on the wings. Gonzalo is looking for his first goal of the season.
Embezzlement confirmed in Real Madrid
The club deals with absences due to injuries accumulated throughout the month. Algumas casualties directly affect defense and attack.
- Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Daniel Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain out
- Raúl Asencio became a last-minute doubt due to fever
- Others like Brahim Díaz and possible doubts in Rüdiger or Valverde
These absences force improvisations in key sectors. Jovens as David Jiménez and Joan Martínez travel as options.
CF Talavera Individual Highlights
Pedro Capó stands out in midfield with good vision of the game. Gonzalo Di Renzo contributes with decisive goals in previous rounds.
The team eliminated Málaga and other opponents. The home factor motivates the group to perform above average.
Promising young people at Real Madrid
Franco Mastantuono returns after recovery and should start. Arda Güler wins a sequence to develop rhythm.
Thiago Pitarch, a promising midfielder, appears as an option. Gonzalo García looks for space in the main attack.
Meringue bank options
Holders like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham travel. Eles enter the second half if necessary.
Endrick is also part of the relationship. The strategy prioritizes minute management before the Christmas break.
Xabi Alonso tactical strategy
The coach maintains the 4-3-3 or variations with ball possession. The focus is on control from the beginning to avoid surprises.
Rotations preserve athletes for future commitments. The technical difference favors broad control of visitors.
