Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar not injured, but a doubt for Copa del Rey clash vs Albacete
Real Madrid fell short in their bid to win the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday night as they lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the final in Jeddah.
Despite the loss, there were some positives to take away for Los Blancos, one of which was the performance of superstar forward Vinicius Jr.
After months of inconsistent form and a long-running goal draught, the 25-year-old Brazilian superstar scored a brilliant goal and was a constant threat going forward.
Vinicius, though, asked to be substituted in the 82nd minute of the game, leading to concerns over his physical condition.
No injury
But, according to the latest update from AS, much to Real Madrid’s relief, there is no injury to Vinicius and his substitution was only due to cramps and extreme fatigue.
Indeed, the attacker was suffering form cramps and was completely exhausted, which is why he asked to be taken off in the final stages of the match even as Real Madrid chased a late equaliser.
And, as per the report, Vinicius is a doubt for the upcoming Copa del Rey encounter against Albacete later this week.
Real Madrid lock horns with the lower division outfit on Wednesday, 14 January, in the Round of 16 of the cup competition, hoping to secure a place in the quarterfinal.
Now, Vinicius is seen as a doubt for the cup tie and his availability will depend on how his recovery goes in the next couple of days.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde, who suffered an injury scare in the Super Cup final, is also a doubt for the Copa del Rey encounter, with tests scheduled to take place soon to determine the extent of his injury issue.
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.
