Mbappe edges closer to Ronaldo record as Real survive Copa del Rey test

The French striker is now just one goal shy of the 59-goal calendar-year record set by Ronaldo in 2013

Copa del Rey - Round of 32 - Talavera de la Reina v Real Madrid - Estadio El Prado, Talavera de la Reina, Spain - Dec 17, 2025 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe scores their third goal REUTERS/Susana Vera

Kylian Mbappe moved tantalisingly close to Cristiano Ronaldo's calendar-year scoring record for Real Madrid with a brace as they earned a 3-2 victory at third-tier Talavera de la Reina on Wednesday to reach the Copa del Rey's last 16 after a pulsating encounter.

The French striker's two goals, combined with an own-goal by defender Manuel Farrando, proved enough despite late strikes from Nahuel Arroyo and Gonzalo Di Renzo that threatened to spoil Real's evening in front of a raucous crowd.

Mbappe, who came into the game with 56 goals scored in all competitions in 2025, is now just one goal shy of the 59-goal calendar-year record set by Ronaldo in 2013.

With one match still to play this year - on Saturday against struggling Sevilla in LaLiga at Santiago Bernabeu - the French forward could surpass the Portuguese great.