Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forced to temporarily close training ground stadium due to fungus problem
Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium is inseparable from the club’s identity, with the stadium proving to be the breeding ground for countless iconic memories.
However, the club’s secondary venue, the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, has also played a crucial role since its establishment, even if it does not always acquire the same spotlight.
The stadium has become a home for Real Madrid’s women’s team and youth squads, showcasing the club’s commitment to success at all levels, far beyond just the first team.
Real Madrid also played their home matches at the venue in the recent past when renovation works were taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Hitting a roadblock
Fatefully, though Mundo Deportivo have come out to report that Real Madrid have had to temporarily stop using the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano as the grass on the pitch has been affected by a fungus.
The Merengues have already started treatment to fix the issue, but during this process, the pitch is unusable.
Consequently, various teams are impacted by this closure. Instead of playing at the Di Stefano versus Betis Deportivo, Real Madrid Castilla will now play on September 15 on Field 7 of the Ciudad Real Madrid training complex.
The Juvenil A team, who were set to play their UEFA Youth League debut on September 17 against Stuttgart, will now also use a different field at the same complex.
As for Real Madrid’s women’s team, it is still uncertain whether they can play their scheduled match against Athletic Bilbao at the Di Stefano on September 22, depending on how well the pitch recovers.
Due to the smaller capacity of the new venue, fans must reserve free tickets by calling the club’s helpline. Members can request one additional ticket for a fellow member. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with no sales at the Di Stefano stadium.
In any case, the club would be looking to resolve the issue as soon as possible and resume normalcy.
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.
