Real Madrid News
Albacete defender to miss Real Madrid reunion in Copa del Rey due to injury
Albacete and Real Madrid are set to face off later tonight in their Round of 16 clash in the Copa del Rey, but this is not the first time the lower-division club have had their name linked with Los Blancos.
After all, the two clubs indirectly were involved in business in the last summer transfer window when Real Madrid’s defender Jesus Vallejo left the club at the end of his contract and signed for Albacete where he has had prominence.
One of the storylines ahead of tonight’s game, thus, was the Merengues finding a familiar face in the opposition lineup but Mundo Deportivo reveals that it will not happen anymore.
Out through injury
Indeed, as reported by the Spanish outlet, Vallejo has not made Albacete’s squad list to face Real Madrid later today despite the team waiting until the very end. He has not recovered and will not be able to play against his former team.
While Real Madrid will not read too much into his absence, it does indeed come as a missed opportunity for the player who could have had a good tussle against his former teammates. Fitness, however, denies him that opportunity.
The 29-year-old defender scored a vital equaliser for his team in the 93rd minute of their game against Celta Vigo in the last round and thus helped take the match to penalties where Albacete knocked out the Galician side.
His absence, needless to say, is a massive blow for the opponents in that sense. He joins the list of absentees for the hosts which already includes Higinio Marin, Jon Garcia, and Antonio Puertas.
“Football has these things, it is an unexpected sport. After the victory against Celta, anything could happen and so it has.”
“Let’s hope they arrive very tired from the Super Cup and we can prepare a good game here at home,” he said in a recent interview when asked about facing Real Madrid.
Given that Real Madrid enter with a new coach and fresh off a defeat to Barcelona, they will be vulnerable and Albacete will more than believe in their chances on the night, exactly as claimed by Vallejo in the above interview.
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.
