Kylian Mbappé is just one goal short of equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid after scoring twice in their Copa del Rey victory over Talavera.

The 26-year-old French forward netted his 57th and 58th goals of 2025, either side of an own goal from Talavera defender Manuel Farrando, to secure Real’s progression to the last 16 of the competition. Mbappé now trails Ronaldo’s 2013 tally of 59 goals by just a single strike.

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Real Madrid Dominate Despite Rotation

Manager Xabi Alonso made ten changes to the side that beat Alavés in La Liga on Sunday, resting key stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. Real controlled the game from the outset but broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Mbappé converted a penalty after a handball by Marcos Moreno.

Four minutes later, Mbappé forced an own goal from Farrando with a powerful strike along the byline. Talavera pulled one back through Nahuel Arroyo in the 80th minute, but Mbappé’s influence proved decisive when Jaime Gonzalez inadvertently deflected a long-range effort into his own net eight minutes later. Gonzalo di Renzo added a stoppage-time goal, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Real from advancing.

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Mbappé Closing in on History

Mbappé now has the chance to break Ronaldo’s record when Real face Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday (20:00 GMT). His form has been crucial for Real Madrid, who have won three of their last five games, signaling an upturn after a difficult spell in late November when Alonso faced pressure following a run of just one win in five matches.

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Real Madrid’s Season So Far

• La Liga: Second place, four points behind leaders Barcelona.
• Champions League: Seventh in the group stage, with two games remaining.
• Copa del Rey: Advanced to last 16.

Mbappé’s stellar campaign highlights his growing legacy at Real Madrid, and he is poised to set a new club record for goals in a single calendar year.