Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks referees, Rudiger and Real Madrid future after Copa Del Rey defeat to Barcelona
Real Madrid suffered yet another defeat at the hands of Barcelona as they conceded a late winner from Jules Kounde to lose the Copa Del Rey final 3-2 in Seville.
It was a painful defeat for Los Blancos, who had worked hard to make a comeback in the first half and take the game to extra time. Unfortunately, Kounde had other plans as his precision strike completely dumbfounded Thibaut Courtois in the 116th minute.
What Ancelotti said after Copa Del Rey defeat
Speaking to the press after the game, Ancelotti talked about various defining aspects of the game, including the final goal that Real Madrid conceded.
The goal was conceded thanks to a mishap from Brahim Diaz, whose pass didn’t reach Luka Modric, thus allowing Kounde to intercept and fire a precision strike.
Talking about the miscommunication between the two, Ancelotti said, “Brahim thought Modric put the ball in deep, but it was supposed to go to his feet instead. It happens.“
Talking about the game itself, the Italian admitted, “Barcelona dominated the first half and we dominated the second. We conceded a strange goal that was against the pace of the game.”
Ancelotti, though, did not criticise his team and urged to focus on the road ahead, with Los Blancos still in the race for the league title.
“We did everything we could. I can’t criticize the team. We defended very well,” he said. “I’m hurt.”
But urging fans to look forward, the coach added, “Now it’s time to fight for La Liga. We will rest for 2 days now.”
Real Madrid are currently trailing Barcelona by four points with a Clasico to be played on May 11, where the club would get the opportunity to possibly close the deficit.
Ancelotti was also asked about his future, especially after mulitple reports which claimed that he could be fired should Real Madrid lose to Barcelona in the final. In response, the coach said,”Maybe I’ll stay, maybe I’ll leave, we’ll see.”
The Real Madrid coach also talked about Antonio Rudiger, who could be in big trouble after trying to throw ice pack at the referees after the game.
Explaining why the German was taken off, the coach said, “Rudiger is not injured. He was just exhausted.”
Finally, Ancelotti was asked about the referees, whose performances raised many question marks from both sets of fans.
The Real Madrid coach, though, refused to comment on the referees’ performance, stating, “No comment on the ref.”
Source: MARCA
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.
