Real Madrid News
Belgium manager insists Real Madrid flop Eden Hazard makes their team better
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 (h/t MARCA), Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has once again defended his captain and Real Madrid flop Eden Hazard, stating that he makes the national team better due to his talent and experience.
The 31-year-old Hazard has struggled since making the switch to Real Madrid and has completely fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti his season.
Indeed, the Belgian winger has played just over 70 minutes of football in 14 La Liga matches, indicating how badly things are going for him at the club level.
Despite his lack of minutes and struggles to make an impact, Hazard remains a permanent fixture in the Belgium national team setup and Martinez has once again insisted that the former Chelsea ace brings a lot to the table even though he might be lacking in rhythm.
“Eden’s situation has changed a lot. We do not follow Eden to see what rhythm of the game or what intensity it has. We focus on the talent he has and the experiences he accumulates with the national team,” Martinez said.
“He is the captain, he has great influence over the rest and has shown great commitment. For me, that is the most important thing. We are aware that we are a better team when Eden is in our locker room.”
These comments came after Hazard stated in Belgium’s friendly encounter against Egypt on Friday. The Real Madrid star played seventy minutes against the African nation but failed to make any sort of impact.
But Martinez insisted that the team have a specific plan to help Hazard get through the World Cup, saying:
“The rhythm of the game and the minutes that he plays with Real Madrid can change his physical level in a tournament in which there are so many games in a short space of time. We have a very individualized plan to get the most out of a player who is very important to our team.”
Further discussing Hazard’s importance to the Belgium side, Martinez cited the fact that the 31-year-old is one of very few players to have more than 100 caps for the national team.
“I know that there will always be debate and that in a national team it is seen that the players are at a good level in their clubs, but with Hazard, we no longer value this situation. He is one of eight Belgium players to have over 100 caps,” the former Everton boss said.
“His role in the national team goes far beyond what he does on a day-to-day basis. We have confidence and blind faith that his talent, experience, and attitude make us a better selection.”
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.
