Alonso doubles down on Mbappe decision after nervy Copa del Rey win

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso says he does not regret leaving Kylian Mbappe on the pitch for 93 minutes in the win over third-division side Talavera in the Copa del Rey.

Los Blancos were given a scare by a side two tiers below them, and it took an Mbappe brace to see off a brave effort on Wednesday night.

The Frenchman netted the opener from the penalty spot, before having a hand in causing the own goal that put Madrid 2-0 up.

Talavera then pulled one back with 10 minutes to go, sparking hopes of a comeback, but those hopes were quashed by the main man again, just a few minutes from time.

Without Mbappe’s efforts, Madrid could well have found themselves embarrassed in the competition, piling more pressure on Alonso.

But he explained his decision to keep his talisman on the pitch for the whole game.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Alonso said: “Shocked by this game? No, I expected this, for Talavera, this is a unique game, so I knew they’ll be very competitive and motivated.

“Why Mbappe played 93 minutes? Because he scores goals.

“We finished the game suffering. These are things that happen in the Copa, I’ve seen it happen to other teams as well.

“The 2nd half was terrible? I’d say it was hard-fought and exciting.

“We need to be more mature and consistent throughout the game, we keep letting games get out of hand.”