Real Madrid News
Ancelotti backs Real Madrid superstar to achieve greatness: “On his way to write history”
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu, manager Carlo Ancelotti lavished praise on forward Vinicius Jr and backed him to ‘write history’ at the club.
Vinicius, over the past couple of years, has become one of the best forwards in Europe, and has emerged as a constant difference-maker for Real Madrid.
The Brazilian superstar was the man of the moment for Los Blancos against Liverpool in the first leg at Anfield, helping his team overturn a 2-0 deficit and win 5-2.
The winger was also in fine form this past weekend against RCD Espanyol, as Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Talking about the Brazilian and his last game, Ancelotti said: “Vinicius’ last game was perfect. He is focused on the pitch.”
The manager then went on to praise Vinicius and state that he is on the path to achieve greatness at Real Madrid, just like the likes of Casemiro, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modric.
“Vinicius is on his way to write Real Madrid’s history in the coming years, just as players like Casemiro, Kroos and Modric did,” Ancelotti added.
Ancelotti discusses Eden Hazard’s future, Benzema fitness
During the presser, the Real Madrid boss was also asked about the interesting revelation that Eden Hazard had made recently, claiming that the two did not speak with each other.
“Hazard was honest, we don’t talk much, that’s true. That’s not the most important thing, but respect, and that fits. He doesn’t play because there’s a lot of competition and because Vinícius brings us a lot,” the manager said.
When asked if the winger will still be at the club for next season, Ancelotti replied: “For next year I have the players that the club puts at my disposal.”
Meanwhile, the Real Madrid head coach also confirmed that his captain Karim Benzema was feeling fine after missing the Espanyol clash due to an ankle issue.
“Benzema is very excited and is in a great physical moment,” he said.
Commenting on the controversy between Benzema and France manager Didier Deschamps, Ancelotti added: “Regarding the Deschamps & Benzema case, this is more of a personal issue. Deschamps was my player and I respect him a lot. I don’t want to interfere.”
There were also words of praise for Eduardo Camavinga, with Ancelotti admitting that the youngster did make mistakes in the last game but is an ‘untouchable’ for the present and the future.
“Camavinga is very important. In the last game, he made obvious mistakes, but by playing so well he makes you forget all the bad things. Against Espanyol, he made a very big mistake, but then he played a very good game. He is untouchable now & in the future,” he said.
Ancelotti also spoke about Camavinga’s fellow midfielder, Toni Kroos, saying: “I think in the match against Espanyol Kroos did well. What happened is already completely forgotten, he is in a good moment physically. Sometimes the changes are to put on fresh legs.”
On how he is approaching the game against Liverpool after the 5-2 win at Anfield, Ancelotti said: “I think we haven’t talked much about that. We did a lot of good things. We are not going to do calculations.
“We are not going to propose a closed match but an open one, to play our best offensive football. And the players understand that. That’s why I think it’s going to be an open game.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
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.
