Real Madrid News
Real Madrid winger absent for Girona clash due to training injury – report
Real Madrid take on Girona tomorrow at Montilivi, hoping to maintain their second spot in the league, amid pressure from cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.
The reigning European champions have announced their squad, featuring youngsters such as Sergio Arribas and Mario Martin. Eden Hazard was one of the major absentees from the squad.
According to Jorge C Picon, Hazard missed out of the Real Madrid squad to face Girona because of a blow to his ankle during training today. The attacker is set to undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury.
This serves as yet another blow for Hazard, who has had a forgettable spell at Real Madrid. He has struggled with a series of injuries, which has led to his dissipating role in the first team. The Belgian has only featured in just five league matches this term.
Hazard is also yet to score in La Liga this season, which is indicative of his dismal record at Real Madrid. However, it must be noted that the attacker was unlikely to feature even if he was fit.
Over the last nine league matches, Hazard was part of the Real Madrid squad all nine times. But the former Chelsea superstar featured on the pitch only twice during that period, with Carlo Ancelotti favouring other options.
When asked today if the Belgian had spoken to him about his situation, Ancelotti said: “We haven’t spoken much. I don’t ask players to come and talk. If they need to talk, I’m always ready.”
Hazard’s chances of featuring in the team could have increased during the final phase of the league campaign as Real Madrid would be focusing on the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. But his recent injury means that it is unlikely to happen any longer.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
