Real Madrid News
Real Madrid winger’s place in the national team being questioned amidst struggles
While Eden Hazard may have been struggling endlessly at Real Madrid, his place in the Belgium national team has never come under threat.
The 31-year-old’s powers have been on the wane over the past three years since he joined Los Blancos, as a consequence of which his game-time has taken a huge hit.
In spite of his ordeals at the club level, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has always placed his faith in the former Chelsea superstar, with Hazard even being the captain of the Red Devils.
However, according to latest reports from MARCA, the Real Madrid winger’s spot in the Belgium national is being questioned ahead of the World Cup due to his underwhelming form as well as fitness problems.
In a recent interview with RTBF, as relayed by the aforementioned outlet, Martinez continued to put his faith in Hazard, as he said:
“Hazard is still a very important player for the national team, that’s for sure. His experience, his influence over opponents, his ability to eliminate a man, to create danger… In this profile, he is still, in my opinion, one of the best in the world.”
However, the former Everton manager himself expressed doubts over whether Hazard can play continuously for a run of six or seven games in quick succession as would be needed at the World Cup.
“But now we have to ask ourselves if he can still play 90 minutes or seven games in a very short period of time. Everyone knows that Eden has played very few games for a long time and that has consequences,” he said.
So far this season, Hazard has played just four matches in all competitions for Real Madrid, scoring and assisting one goal apiece – both of which came in a single game against Celtic.
As for the Belgian national team, the 31-year-old has not scored a goal in nine matches.
Given that his game-time is unlikely to improve any time soon, question marks are bound to raise over whether he warrants a place in the Belgium team which has some talented stars like Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard waiting for an opportunity.
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.
