The goals arrive
Real Madrid were enjoying their best spell of the game as they continued to push on in search of a well-deserved opener. Ceballos’ shot on 25’ flew just inches off target, before Arda Güler tried his luck from a free-kick with 27 minutes gone, only to see it turned behind for a corner by the inspired Jaime González. Our team finally did break the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. Mbappé stepped up to convert from the spot after Marcos Moreno had handled in the box on 40’. Then, in first-half injury time, it was 0-2. Mbappé did superbly to evade the attentions of Luis Sánchez, raced past Di Renzo and crossed into the box with 52 minutes played, with the ball ricocheting off Farrando into his own net.
The game remained the same following the break, and Mbappé had a great chance to complete his brace, but he shot off target when through against Jaime González on 52′. Arda Güler could have also increased the lead on 68’ with a long-range free-kick which was once again repelled by the Talavera shot-stopper. Just as it looked like 0-3 was inevitable, it was 1-2 as Nahuel found the net with 80 minutes gone. The goal gave the hosts hope, but Mbappé quickly hit back with a stunning long-range strike seven minutes later. In injury time, Di Renzo struck a free-kick which came off the bar and into the net to set up a tense finish. A fine Lunin save from Di Renzo’s later strike ultimately made sure there would be no upset and Real Madrid now wait to discover their opposition in the Copa Round of 16.
