Player Ratings: Talavera 2–3 Real Madrid

Real Madrid advanced, but not without unnecessary drama. A rotated side showed quality in possession and attacking moments, yet nearly let the game slip due to poor game management and a worrying lack of intensity from some late substitutes.

Starters

Andriy Lunin — 8
Made two outstanding saves, including a crucial stop in the final moments to prevent extra time.

David Jiménez — 7
A solid debut. Delivered a couple of quality balls into the box and showed composure on the ball. Not at fault for the goal conceded, as he was left tracking two attackers on his own.

Dean Huijsen — 7.5
Strong ball progression from the back and confident stepping into midfield. Gave possession away cheaply on a few occasions, but overall a decent performance.

Álvaro Carreras — 6.5
Tidy in possession and comfortable building play. Struggled defensively late on as Talavera increased their intensity.

Fran García — 5.5
Allowed a run in behind for the first goal conceded and was dispossessed too easily at times. A mixed night defensively.

Franco Mastantuono — 6
Showed flashes of quality with his dribbling but lacked end product. Had a bizarre moment handling the ball in open play, escaped punishment, and was promptly substituted by Xabi Alonso.

Dani Ceballos — 7.5
Dictated tempo and controlled the game from deep for long stretches. Played 86 minutes, and his absence coincided with Madrid losing control.

Arda Güler — 8
Key to Madrid’s possession play, consistently vertical, and dangerous from set pieces throughout the night. One of the most reliable performers.

Endrick — 8
Arguably Madrid’s best player. Created two excellent chances for Mbappé with beautiful passes that deserved assists. Sharp, intelligent, and constantly involved.

Gonzalo García — 7
Strong link-up and hold-up play. Got on the end of two good crosses but failed to convert either chance.

Kylian Mbappé — 8
Missed two point-blank chances that should have killed the game, yet still impossible to rate him lower. Involved in all three goals and ultimately decisive.

Substitutes

Rodrygo Goes — 6
Showed quality immediately with a sharp turn on his first touch, but spent most of his time pinned deep on the right wing.

Aurélien Tchouaméni — 4
Disappointing cameo. Showed poor intensity despite fresh legs and failed to track back properly on the first goal conceded.

Jude Bellingham — 4
Looked disinterested and lacked urgency. Committed a needless foul that directly led to Talavera’s second goal.

Jorge Cestero — N/A
Not on long enough to be fairly assessed.