Kylian Mbappe moved one step closer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid calendar-year scoring record after scoring twice in a dramatic 3-2 victory over third-tier Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey round of 32 on Wednesday night. The French striker’s brace took his tally for the 2025 calendar year to 58 goals for Real Madrid, leaving him just one goal shy of Ronaldo’s mark of 59 set in 2013.
Real Madrid, coached by Xabi Alonso, endured a nervy cup tie at Estadio El Prado, where they were pushed hard by a spirited Talavera side. Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot before his second goal came via a mishandled shot that deflected off a defender and into the net. An own goal also helped Madrid take the lead, but Talavera pulled back twice in the second half through Nahuel Arroyo and Gonzalo Di Renzo, keeping the contest alive. Despite the late pressure, Real held on to secure progression to the last 16.
The match illustrated both Real’s reliance on Mbappe’s goals and the competitive threat posed by lower-league opponents in cup competitions. With several first-team regulars rested, including stars such as Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, the burden of scoring fell heavily on Mbappe — and he delivered when it mattered. His performance underscores just how central he has been to Real’s offensive output in 2025.
The French forward now has one more chance in the 2025 calendar year to eclipse Ronaldo’s record when Real host Sevilla in LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabeu later this week. Should he find the net there, Mbappe would write his name into the club’s history books by surpassing a milestone long held by the club’s modern era legend.
Beyond the individual subplot, Real’s narrow escape also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Copa del Rey, where even top clubs can be tested by lower-division sides. Talavera’s spirited performance drew praise despite their exit, showcasing the drama and romance that domestic cup competitions can offer.
For Real Madrid, advancing in the Copa del Rey keeps alive hopes of silverware in Spain’s oldest cup tournament while Mbappe’s scoring chase adds an intriguing narrative as the season reaches its final stages. The upcoming LaLiga fixture presents a potentially historic moment for both player and club as they pursue more success domestically and in Europe.
