Real Madrid News
Real Madrid misfit hoping to build a ‘new life’ at club after World Cup disappointment
Belgium were one of the gross underperformers in the recently-concluded World Cup. Regarded as one of the dark horses heading into the tournament, the Red Devils were knocked out of the group stages, much to everyone’s surprise.
Shortly after the World Cup exit, the nation’s Real Madrid ace Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international football.
And according to AS, the retirement marked a crucial stage in Hazard’s career and it appears the former Chelsea superstar is now keen on making an impression in the Real Madrid camp. He wants to right the wrongs after struggling to make his presence felt in the Spanish capital for three and a half years.
Hazard’s spell at Real Madrid has indeed gone south, with the forward scoring only seven goals since joining the club in the summer of 2019.
However, the Belgian has made a strong impression since returning to training in the Real Madrid camp. He has looked more involved and his commitment levels have impressed coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The report suggests that Hazard now intends to fight for his place in the Real Madrid setup. He wants to become a starter in the near future, moving ahead of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the pecking order.
The forward also wants to help Real Madrid secure silverware during the second half of the campaign, as he had promised his fans. But more importantly, he wants to get his career back on track after spending three and a half year difficult years at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid, for their part, are open to selling Hazard in the near future in order to alleviate some of the losses incurred through the €100 million expenditure on the former Chelsea frontman.
But he has made it clear in the past that he does not plan on leaving Real Madrid in January. And the 31-year-old is now focused on starting a ‘new life’ at the club following his international retirement.
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.
