Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against CF Talavera – academy talent debuts
Real Madrid will hope to make a winning start to their 2025/26 Copa del Rey campaign, starting with tonight’s Round of 32 clash against CF Talavera.
Ahead of the clash against the RFEF Primera Division outfit, Real Madid manager Xabi Alonso has announced the starting lineup for the match.
David Jimenez, a 21-year-old right-back from the academy, makes his first-ever appearance for the Real Madrid senior setup.
Apart from Jimenez’s debut, Thibaut Courtois has been rested for tonight, paving the way for Andriy Lunin to start in goal against Talavera. Not only that, the Ukrainian international also captains the team.
Alvaro Carreras slots in at centre-back, whose two-game suspension does not apply in the cup competition, returns to the team, pairing up with Dean Huijsen. Fran Garcia slots in on the left.
Dani Ceballos and Arda Guler occupy the midfield positions, with Franco Mastantuono also joining the pair, in what will be his first start since recovering from pubalgia.
In an interesting move, Alonso has gone with the attacking trio of Gonzalo Garcia, Endrick, and Kylian Mbappe, risking the Frenchman who did not train with the team on Tuesday.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 17, 2025
🆚 @CFTalavera
👉 @UnicajaBanco pic.twitter.com/hjweZHzVnO
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.
