Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey trip to Talavera is already producing moments that go far beyond tactics and team selection.
Long before the first whistle, the Spanish giants have shown a side that often goes unnoticed, one rooted in respect for the competition and its smaller participants.
Ahead of the fixture, Real Madrid made a thoughtful and symbolic gesture towards their upcoming opponents.
Rather than limiting the occasion to 90 minutes of football, the club reached out directly to the Talavera squad with a simple but meaningful request.
The intention was to allow the players to choose which Real Madrid shirt they would like after the match, turning the encounter into a memory that will last far longer than the result.
This detail was revealed publicly by Talavera winger Gonzalo Di Renzo, who spoke openly about the moment and the impact it had inside the dressing room.
Explaining how the gesture came about, the 29-year-old did not hide his admiration for the way Real Madrid handled the situation.
"Real Madrid sent us a list to see which player’s kit each one of us wants. It’s a great gesture," he told DSports.
The reaction was immediate. Within the Talavera camp, the excitement was clear. "The most chosen player? It’s between Mbappe, Bellingham and Courtois," he added.
This act of class is not an isolated one. Real Madrid have a recent history of showing similar respect in Copa del Rey ties against lower-league opposition.
Back in 2024, Arandina also submitted a list detailing which shirts their players hoped to receive after facing Los Blancos.
That occasion produced its own interesting hierarchy of demand, as Bellingham was once again a popular choice, with three players selecting his shirt.
Toni Kroos and Rodrygo both attracted two requests each. However, it was Luka Modric who stood out above the rest, emerging as the most requested player of all.