Real Madrid News
Zinedine Zidane reflects on iconic moments at Real Madrid – ‘The history the club has, the best’
Real Madrid’s lineage extends to a number of legendary footballers, but few can rival the success and impact of Zinedine Zidane.
After an illustrious playing career, Zidane achieved what few others have—matching his legendary status as a player with a renowned coaching career.
Having won a resounding 11 trophies across two spells as Los Blancos’ head coach, Zidane reserves the right to be labelled as one of the club’s most influential figures.
Zidane reminisces about his time at Real Madrid
The 52-year-old has been responsible for several iconic moments at the Santiago Bernabeu and did not hide his admiration for the club’s sacred home ground.
“The Bernabeu is top, top, top. For me, the Bernabeu is number one. The people, stadium, everything, the history that the club has, the best,” Zidane waxed lyrical (h/t Madrid Xtra).
While Zidane has no shortage of memorable moments, the one that arguably takes the cake is his magnificent strike against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final.
Acknowledging it as his best goal, he remarked, “The best, most beautiful and important one, I think is the goal against Leverkusen. We needed this goal to win the Champions League.”
When being handed the jersey that he donned in his last ever game with the Merengues, the former midfielder fondly looked back at the memories associated with it.
“This is from my last season with Real Madrid. I think this was against Villarreal at home.
“It was my last match with the club and it was emotional because my friends and family were there at the Bernabeu. It was a special match. I remember it,” he said.
Zidane was also presented with a jersey from the 2016 Champions League, which he once again reflected upon fondly.
“This [shirt] was as a coach, from the Champions League. In Milan, against Atletico Madrid. There’s nothing better than winning the Champions League with the white shirt,” he exclaimed.
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.
