"His legs are gonna be gone ever sooner than I thought" - Fans question Xabi Alonso's decision to start Real Madrid star against Talavera

Fans reacted to the inclusion of striker Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid's Copa del Rey opener at third division side CF Talavera on Wednesday (December 17). Los Blancos lost to Barcelona in the final of the competition last season.

Coming off a 2-1 La Liga win at Alaves last weekend, Madrid closed the gap on leaders Barca to four points, with Mbappe featuring in the game after missing the midweek 2-1 UEFA Champions League home loss to Manchester City.

However, in a game where the star striker could have been rested for sterner fixtures ahead, head coach Xabi Alonso opted to name Mbappe to start at Talavera, incensing fans.

One tweeted:

"Bro what reason is there for Mbappe to start man? What the actual fvck"

Another commented:

"Mbappe starter vs 3rd division in Copa del Rey ... Brother is so insecure about hs job."

One posted:

"Yea Mbappe's legs are gonna be gone ever sooner than I thought."

Another commented:

"Why is Mbappe starting btw?"

Although Los Blancos are facing Talavera for the first time, they got eliminated in this very round of the domestic cup four years ago, losing 2-1 at 10-man Alcoyamo.

Then boss Zinedine Zidane's side had taken the lead before the third division side forced extra time before Alcoyamo scored again to hand Madrid their fifth Copa del Rey loss against a third division side since 2001.

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"We're ready" - Real Madrid boss on facing Tavalera

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is leaving no stones unturned as he looks to avoid surprise cup loss against a lower division side ahead of his maiden Copa del Rey game of his managerial stint.

Ahead of the clash at El Prado in Talavera de la Reina, the Spaniard said that Los Blancos aren't taking the competition for granted and that they are ready for the challenges ahead.

“We always know that the cup is a special competition," Alonso said (as per Managing Madrid). "It gives you the opportunity to face teams like Talavera, but it’s also a competition where big surprises happen. We’re going into it with the same respect and preparation as always. We’re ready.”

Following the game at Talavera, Los Blancos host Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday (December 20), hoping to close the four-point gap on leaders Barcelona.

Edited by Bhargav