Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Albacete | Copa del Rey
Real Madrid will play their first game under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa later tonight when they take on Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
The Merengues will be keen on putting on a strong performance and set the tone for the future under the new manager, who has taken over from Xabi Alonso.
Ahead of the trip to Albacete, Arbeloa has now announced his first squad list as the Real Madrid first-team manager.
As expected, there are some notable absentees as the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, and Rodrygo are unavailable due to physical issues that prevented them from training with the team on Tuesday. Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carreras have also been rested.
Meanwhile, youngsters like Jorge Cestero, David Jimenez, Cesar Palacios, Joan Martinez, and Manuel Angel have all been called up from the Castilla squad.
Thibaut Courtois is also rested by Arbeloa for the cup tie, with Andriy Lunin set to start in goal. Fran Gonzalez and Sergio Mestre will be the backup options on the bench.
Federico Valverde is fit and available, although he could be given a breather. Vinicius Jr. is also fit and ready after ending the Super Cup final with exhaustion and fatigue.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 14, 2026
🆚 @AlbaceteBPSAD pic.twitter.com/vLLlWClSWM
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.
