Talavera's Bold Stance Against Real Madrid: A King’s Cup Showdown
17 December 2025
Match Preview: Real Madrid at Talavera in the Copa del Rey
Real Madrid travels to Talavera de la Reina on Wednesday for the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, facing a third-tier side at the Prado stadium.
Talavera posted on Instagram a poster saying "90 minutes at the Prado could be very long," inviting the challenge to the giants.
Lineup, Legacy, and Stakes
The quote traces back to Juanito, a Real Madrid legend, who reportedly uttered it in 1984 after a European loss to Inter Milan.
Madrid later turned the tie around with a 3-0 return win at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealing the line as a fan favorite.
Madrid’s expected starting XI, per club materials, includes Andriy Lunin in goal and a mix across defense, midfield and attack: Fran Garcia, Álvaro Carreras, Din Huisen, Raúl Asensio; Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler; Rodrygo Goes, Gonzalo García, Franco Mastantuno.
The match carries a narrative edge given Talavera's ambition to spring an upset and the memory of the Inter result.
Punchlines: If Talavera pulls off a miracle, the club shop will sell "90 Minutes at Prado" merch. If Real Madrid wins, fans will joke that even a 90-minute thriller can feel longer than a season, but in a good way.
