Real Madrid News
Ex-Real Madrid defender looking forward to reunion in Copa del Rey Ro16: ‘It was unexpected’
Real Madrid found out their opponents for the next round of the Copa del Rey earlier today, and they will face off against Albacete in the Round of 16 of the Spanish Cup.
The game will take place at Albacete’s home stadium – Carlos Belmonte – and Real Madrid will meet a familiar face when they arrive for the game in Jesus Vallejo.
The Spanish defender left the club in the summer to join Alberto Gonzalez Fernandez’s side and has done well so far. Unfortunately, his participation against Real Madrid remains in doubt given that he is nursing an injury.
Vallejo on facing Real Madrid
Speaking to the media recently, the former Real Madrid player opened up on the surprise of facing his former club in the cup and what he made of it.
“Football has these things, it is an unexpected sport. After the victory against Celta, anything could happen and so it has,” he began.
He then spoke on how Real Madrid would enter the game relatively tired after the Spanish Super Cup, giving his team a chance to pull off a historic upset.
“Let’s hope they arrive very tired from Super Cup and we can prepare a good game here at home.”
“It was unexpected, I was caught arriving at the Sports City and Agus Medina stopped me and we had already heard on the radio,” he added on the pleasant surprise.
Finally, Vallejo stated that there are no friends on the field and that he will hold back any of his emotions toward his former club.
“We will try to do the best we can, as in all games. It’s time to compete and be focused since there are no friends on the field. You have to fight it hard and especially enjoy it a lot.”
Source: AS
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.
