Real Madrid News
Mbappe equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as history repeats itself at Real Madrid
Real Madrid enjoyed a statement night in Europe as Kylian Mbappe continued his sensational Champions League form with a brace in a crushing 6-1 victory over AS Monaco.
With his two goals against Monaco, the French forward has now reached 11 goals in this season’s UEFA Champions League, achieving that figure in just six matches.
That number immediately draws comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 11 goals during the group stage of the 2015–2016 campaign.
Of course, the competition format has changed since then. Ronaldo reached his tally in a traditional group stage featuring three opponents across six games.
The current format sees teams face a wider range of rivals across eight matches in a league-style phase.
Even so, scoring 11 goals in six games under any format shows the scale of Mbappe’s impact and places him alongside one of the greatest Champions League seasons ever produced.
There are a lot of similarities
That 2015–2016 campaign went on to become iconic for Real Madrid.
This is because Ronaldo finished the tournament with 16 goals in 12 matches, and Los Blancos lifted the trophy after defeating Atletico Madrid in the final.
Interestingly, there are growing similarities between that season and the current one unfolding at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Back then, Real Madrid also underwent a managerial change midway through the season, as Rafa Benítez was dismissed in January, and Zinedine Zidane was promoted from Castilla.
The outcome is now legendary, as Zidane led the club to three consecutive Champions League titles.
Fast forward, and history appears to be whispering again. Xabi Alonso stepped down as head coach in January, with another Castilla figure, Alvaro Arbeloa, taking charge of the first team.
What next for Mbappe?
For Mbappe, the next challenge is clear. Having matched Ronaldo’s group-stage output, his attention now turns to the overall tournament record.
The benchmark remains daunting – 17 goals in a single Champions League campaign, set by Ronaldo during the 2012–2013 season.
Breaking that record will require not only individual brilliance but a collective rise in performance from Real Madrid as the knockout rounds approach.
If the Monaco match is any indication, Mbappe and Madrid may just be on the verge of something special.
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.
