Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outcast misses Almeria clash due to illness, summer exit not ruled out
With Real Madrid set to face off against Almeria in the Spanish League after enjoying the spoils of victory against Athletic Club, the club is gearing up for another important match-up.
One of the players who will not feature is Alvaro Odriozola, with the right-back not making it to the matchday squad.
According to Guillermo Rai, Odriozola was ill, and that was the reason behind his exclusion from the squad to face off against Almeria.
However, the report states that Real Madrid are also not ruling out an exit in the coming days, as the Spaniard is deemed an inessential member of the team.
Odriozola on his way out
Odriozola is no longer wanted by manager Carlo Ancelotti and is viewed as surplus to requirements.
The right-back did not play in many games last season, even though Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez had shown inconsistencies in their performances.
It had previously been speculated that the 27-year-old may return to Real Sociedad, his boyhood club.
Moreover, defending Italian champions Napoli are looking to bolster their defence, and are reportedly evaluating the signing of the Real Madrid outcast.
His contract with the team expires in June 2024, and Madrid would be aiming to get some cash from his sale rather than losing him as a free agent next year
Given that the Spanish ace sits below players like Carvajal, Vazquez, and even Nacho Fernandez in the Real Madrid pecking order, his departure would certainly benefit both parties involved.
Once a promising right-back, Odriozola’s career has stalled in recent years and a permanent move away could be ideal for him to revive his stuttering career.
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.
