Alonso’s Tight Blueprint: Real Madrid Ready for a Copa del Rey Test Against Talavera

Predicted Real Madrid lineup for the cup tie

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso remains wary of surprises in the Copa del Rey as the Merengues travel to Talavera de la Reina, a third-tier side, tomorrow in the Round of 32.

According to AS, Alonso will stick with the starting XI for most of the squad, resting three players: Thibaut Courtois, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé.

He has opted to give minutes to Andriy Lunin in goal and winger Franco Mastantuno, with Gonzalo Garcia leading the line.

Expected lineup

Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin

Defense: Fran Garcia - Álvaro Carreras - Dine Huesin - Raúl Asensio

Midfield: Jude Bellingham - Aurélien Tchouaméni - Arda Guler

Attack: Rodrygo Goes - Gonzalo Garcia - Franco Mastantuno

Talavera de la Reina press will be watching closely as Madrid look to stamp authority on the tie.

Punchline 1: Alonso's lineup is so tight that even the ball needs a passport to pass through the lines. Punchline 2: If this plan were a sniper, it would hit the back of the net before you finish your tea.