Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad manager says fatigue and defensive lapses proved costly against Real Madrid: ‘They were clinical’
Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo admitted his side was punished by Real Madrid’s quality, while also pointing to crucial mistakes that allowed the hosts to take control of the contest.
Sociedad had competed well during the first half and managed to frustrate Los Blancos for long periods, but their resistance gradually weakened as Real Madrid’s attacking quality began to make the difference in a 4-1 win for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Matarazzo felt his team had largely defended collectively, although moments of poor decision-making and a drop in intensity eventually proved costly against a side capable of punishing even the smallest errors.
Matarazzo highlights costly defensive lapses
Asked what Real Sociedad lacked to hold out for longer after an encouraging opening period, the coach offered an honest assessment of the goals his side conceded.
“Look at the goals: we defended as a unit, apart from a few moments when we were too deep, but then they were clinical and showed great quality.
“However, we weren’t at our best for the second goal, and for the third we lost possession first, and then lost our man-marking.”
Matarazzo also suggested that fatigue played a role as the game progressed.
Sociedad became less aggressive after losing the ball and struggled to regain their earlier defensive intensity, allowing Madrid to exploit the additional space.
“Perhaps we were tired and lost a bit of our aggression, and we struggled quite a bit when we lost possession,” he said, as per MARCA.
Real Madrid’s attacking trio provides the difference
The result offered a strong glimpse of a Real Madrid side now under Mourinho’s command.
The Santiago Bernabeu had welcomed Mourinho back 13 years after his departure with a standing ovation, reflecting the supporters’ appetite for a new beginning following two difficult seasons.
However, there still remains an understandable sense of anxiety around the team.
Notably, against Real Sociedad, the front three of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham produced the moments of quality that separated the sides, turning Madrid’s attacking dominance into goals when the opportunities arrived.
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.
