CF Talavera de la Reina and Real Madrid go head-to-head in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 on Wednesday.
Real Madrid will be the favourites to win this match. Los Blancos will aim to deliver a solid performance against the hosts, who were only founded in 2011.
CF Talavera de la Reina vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 17th December.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio El Prado, Talavera de la Reina.
CF Talavera de la Reina team news
Talavera manager Alejandro Sandroni has a largely fully fit squad to choose from for the biggest match in the club’s recent history. The Primera Federación side will likely stick with the core group that secured impressive victories in previous rounds, including a 2-1 win over Malaga in the last round.
Key forward Sergio Montero, whose goals were crucial in their progression, is expected to lead the line.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is set to ring the changes for this cup tie, with a host of key players rested or unavailable. Los Blancos are currently navigating a defensive injury crisis, with Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Dani Carvajal (knee), Eder Militao (hamstring), and Ferland Mendy (muscle) all ruled out. David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga remain major doubts and are unlikely to be risked.
However, Alonso has received a boost with the return of Endrick, Fran Garcia, and Alvaro Carreras, who are available for selection after serving suspensions in the recent La Liga victory over Alaves. 21-year-old academy right-back David Jimenez is in line to make his first-team debut, starting in defence alongside other rotation options like Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz. Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior are expected to be rested entirely to preserve them for the upcoming league clash against Sevilla.
Form
CF Talavera de la Reina
Talavera have struggled for consistency in their domestic league campaign this season, currently finding themselves fighting in the relegation zone of the Primera Federación (Group 1).
Despite sitting 19th in the table, their cup form has been a completely different story. Sandroni’s men have been formidable in knockout football, beating Rayo Majadahonda 4-1 in the first round before eliminating Malaga 2-1 to set up this dream tie.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid bounced back from a difficult period with a vital 2-1 victory over Alaves last Sunday, a result that kept them within touching distance of the top spot. Los Blancos have won only two of their last five matches across all competitions, showing a period of struggle.
Predicted lineups
CF Talavera: Gonzalez; Gallardo, Lopez, S Molina, Cuenca; Montero, Pitu, Capo, Arroyo; Di Renzo, A Molina.
Real Madrid: Lunin; F Garcia, Asencio, Carreras, Valdepenas; Ceballos, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Mastantuono, Diaz; G Garcia.
How to watch CF Talavera de la Reina vs Real Madrid?
UK fans can watch the game live on Premier Sports 1. The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the Copa del Rey and will stream the fixture as part of their coverage of the Round of 32.
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