Real Madrid News
Alarm bells at Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe picks an injury during Atalanta game
Real Madrid faced significant setbacks last season due to injuries, and unfortunately, this trend seems to be continuing into the current campaign.
The latest player to join Real Madrid’s list of casualties is Kylian Mbappe, who sustained a blow in the ongoing UEFA Champions League encounter against Atalanta.
The Frenchman needed merely 10 minutes to stamp his name on the scoreboard thanks to a crafty first touch and clinical far post finish.
Fatefully, his night was cut short after what appears to be a muscle injury. After going down on the ground injured and clearly unable to play on, coach Carlo Ancelotti replaced him with Rodrygo.
Despite not being fully fit himself, the Brazilian was compelled to enter the pitch, a strong indicator that things do not look good for Mbappe, who was not even in a position to see the half out.
It goes without saying this will be an especially tough blow considering the 2018 World Cup winner was just beginning to find form in the royal white jersey.
Having scored against Girona and Getafe, Mbappe’s stocks were on the ascendance.
An untimely setback will interrupt his progress and dwindles the Merengues’ attacking options.
While Vinicius jr has made an incredibly swift comeback and is sure to alleviate the strain of Mbappe’s absence, Real Madrid now run the risk of rushing him back into action.
Time will tell how long Mbappe is forced to spend on the sidelines, but fans will be hoping to see him back in action soon.
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.
