Real Madrid News
Real Madrid 21-year-old homegrown star set for first-team debut in Copa del Rey tie
After achieving temporary relief with a win over Alaves, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid take on CF Talavera later this week in their Copa del Rey opener.
Given the number of injury problems, the manager is expected to make rotations and give opportunities to fringe players and some young talent coming through the academy ranks.
David Jimenez to start vs Talavera?
In that regard, MARCA reports that after Victor Valdepenas’ debut against Alaves, David Jimenez is set to be the next Castilla player to break into the Real Madrid starting XI in an official match.
Indeed, the 21-year-old right-back is in line to make his official debut for Los Blancos with a starting berth in the Copa del Rey encounter against Talavera.
With no Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Federico Valverde needing a break, given that he has been playing with pain, Jimenez, in all likelihood, will get the nod as the right-sided full-back in the Round of 32 cup tie.
Alonso has already called up Jimenez for two La Liga matches, against Espanyol and Levante, and one Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty, but the academy product did not make his debut. Last season he was also summoned by Carlo Ancelotti as well.
Jimenez is in his 13th consecutive season at the club, having joined La Fabrica in 2013 with at the Benjamin A level.
The 21-year-old defender has been a key figure in Alvaro Arbeloa’s Castilla setup, having played 14 of the 19 matches contested by the team across the league and the Premier League International Cup. He has registered a goal and four assists.
Known for his attacking attributes and set-piece ability, Jimenez will now follow in Valdepenas’ footsteps and make his first-team debut on Wednesday.
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.
