Real Madrid News
€130 million Real Madrid star set to play his first El Clasico three years after signing
Playing in El Clasico is one of the biggest dreams of any player who signs for Barcelona or Real Madrid. Despite losing its glamour in recent years, the clash between the two Spanish giants continues to be one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
According to reports from MARCA, Eden Hazard is set to play his first Clasico on Saturday. The Belgian international could even start on the night given that Karim Benzema is not a match fit yet.
Hazard suffered a muscle overload scare in training yesterday, buts tests have revealed that it is nothing serious. His setback will not stop him from participating against Xavi’s side in Las Vegas.
It has been more than three years since Hazard signed for Real Madrid from Chelsea. After his arrival, he was injured for the first four Clasicos. He did not participate in the two games last season either as Ancelotti decided against using the Belgian.
Last season, he played only 18 games for Los Blancos and recorded just one assist in that duration.
This time around, Hazard has come back to training more determined than ever. He promised fans to recover his best form this season and seems to be serious about his words.
“Real Madrid fans, I’ve been here for three years with so many injuries, with so many things. But next year I’m going to give my all for you,” he said.
Ancelotti has tried using the forward as a false nine in recent training sessions but it remains to be seen if the Belgian starts in that role against Barcelona.
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.
