Real Madrid narrowly overcome lower-league Talavera in Copa del Rey clash

Kylian Mbappe's two goals ensured Real Madrid dodged an embarrassing loss against third-division Talavera, with Xabi Alonso's team clinching a tense 3-2 victory to advance to the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday.

Although Talavera is just 100km from Madrid, their small 6,000-seat Estadio El Prado stands in stark contrast to Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

However, Alonso's record 20-time cup champions barely escaped a tricky challenge.

Mbappe converted a penalty to take the lead, and Manu Farrando's unfortunate own goal deep into first-half stoppage time gave the prestigious away team a comfortable advantage at halftime.

Yet Nahuel Arroyo's strike in the 80th minute for the underdogs created a dramatic finale.

Mbappe sealed it with a long-range effort two minutes from time, though Gonzalo Di Renzo pulled one back in the opening minute of added time, as Talavera battled until the end.

In other matches, top La Liga team Villarreal suffered a 2-1 upset loss to second-division Racing Santander.

Another second-tier side, Albacete, rejoiced after eliminating La Liga's Celta Vigo 3-0 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Fourth-division Baleares put up a brave fight but lost 3-2 to 10-time cup holders Atletico Madrid in Palma, the capital of Mallorca.

La Liga club Osasuna required extra time to defeat second-division Huesca 4-2.

The previous day, Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford netted late goals for Barcelona in a 2-0 triumph over third-division Guadalajara.