Real Madrid News
Ancelotti impressed by Real Madrid flop’s commitment and attitude – report
Real Madrid are gearing themselves up for season restart, with the Spanish champions set to resume their La Liga campaign against Real Valladolid at the end of the month.
Thanks to early eliminations, Real Madrid have already had the fortune of having some of the star players back from the FIFA World Cup. One of them is Eden Hazard, who has been widely branded as a failure since his big-money move to Santiago Bernabeu in 2019.
In three and a half years, Hazard has featured in 72 competitive matches for Real Madrid, scoring only seven goals. It is certainly not enough for a player who cost the Whites a fee of around €115 million.
His struggles at the Bernabeu have seen him fall behind the likes of Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Marco Asensio in the pecking order. As such, he has yet to even feature in 100 minutes of league football.
However, according to AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by Hazard’s commitment and attitude since his return from the World Cup.
The forward has shown a lot of enthusiasm and wants to carve out a place for himself in Ancelotti’s first-team plans.
Hazard made headlines recently by announcing his retirement from international football, shortly after Belgium’s exit from the World Cup.
The forward indeed had a dismal World Cup as the Red Devils, regarded as one of the dark horses of the tournament, were knocked out in the group stages.
It remains to be seen whether Ancelotti’s impression of Hazard will alter his role in the Real Madrid first team. But it is very much possible that the Belgian could be allowed to move on in January, should Los Blancos receive a reasonable offer for the attacker.
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.
