Real Madrid News
Real Madrid open the door for out-of-favour star to leave in January
There was always hope of light at the end of the tunnel when it came to Eden Hazard at Real Madrid. After his initial struggles to break into the starting XI immediately after his arrival, the management and fans waited patiently hoping for him to unleash his best. Alas, it was not to be.
The patience has finally run out, three years after his arrival, and Real Madrid see it as a priority to part ways with the former Chelsea star. According to reports from MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra), Los Blancos have opened the door for Hazard to leave in January.
After a disappointing start to the new season, the Belgian international also struggled to make an impact for his national team at the FIFA World Cup and announced his international retirement immediately after the Red Devils’ exit from the tournament.
The 31-year-old started Belgium’s first two group stages and looked lost on the field, prompting the manager to start him on the bench for the third and final game. He did not contribute to any goal, took just one shot in the entire tournament and managed less than 30 touches per game.
Recent reports suggested that the Serie A could be his next destination with Inter Milan being particularly interested. His current contract runs until the summer of 2024, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side are clear that they are ready to sanction an exit for the former Chelsea ace at the earliest.
Hazard has only made three La Liga appearances for Real Madrid in La Liga this season and is yet to score a goal. His only goal of the term came in the team’s 3-0 win over Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.
While a departure in January would favour all parties involved, Hazard has previously insisted that he would not consider leaving in the winter. So, it will be interesting to see if Ancelotti continues to trust the player if he fails to secure an exit.
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.
