CF Talavera de La Reina vs Real Madrid Prediction & Picks - Copa del Rey

Prediction published on 12/17/25, 11:20 AM  by Tyler Doty in Soccer Picks

In the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, CF Talavera hosts Real Madrid in what promises to be an uneven matchup.

It's likely to be a dream come true for the players of the small club from Talavera. While they play in Primera RFEF, the equivalent of the third division, they will face one of the biggest teams in Europe. In the previous round, they achieved a minor upset by eliminating Malaga, who play in Liga 2 (2-1). However, the situation is much less rosy in the league, and the team is fighting to avoid relegation to the lower division. Currently in 17th place, Talavera had suffered six consecutive defeats before returning to winning ways last weekend against Merida (2-1).

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are making their debut in this competition and have been handed a draw that is well within their reach. Despite being second in the league, Xabi Alonso is under threat and is not guaranteed to finish the season on the Merengue bench. However, Real are only four points behind Barça and still have a chance of winning the title. But their recent inconsistent results and lack of flamboyant play are undermining the authority of the Tolosa native. While Mbappé's teammates were coming off two consecutive home defeats, first in the league against Celta Vigo (0-2) and then in the Champions League against Manchester City (1-2), they have just returned to winning ways at Alavés (1-2).