Real Madrid News
Ancelotti’s future on the line, Alonso awaits as Real Madrid face Barcelona in Copa del Rey final
As Real Madrid get set to take on Barcelona tonight at Estadio de La Cartuja, it is abundantly clear that it will not be just another match. Far from it.
The Copa del Rey final tonight is set to have a big hand in shaping the immediate future of Real Madrid.
Ancelotti’s future hangs in balance
Indeed, as per MARCA, the decision regarding what will happen with manager Carlo Ancelotti depends on the events tonight at La Cartuja and a subsequent meeting between the coach and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Following the UEFA Champions League elimination against Arsenal, the Copa final will measure the response of Real Madrid, their squad and staff against their greatest rival.
It will serve as the moment to assess the mood and mindset of the group with regard to the upcoming commitments of a season longer than ever.
If things do not go their way, Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid will come to an end. In fact, he will not even be present at the FIFA Club World Cup, something that both the coach and the club’s executives are fully aware of.
Xabi Alonso waiting on the sidelines
If Ancelotti is removed from the post, it is no secret that Xabi Alonso is seen as the favourite to succeed the Italian as Real Madrid’s next manager.
There is a gentleman’s agreement between Bayer Leverkusen and Alonso for him to be allowed to leave if a club he played for comes calling, acknowledged by the German outfit’s CEO, Fernando Carro. Furthermore, the coach himself is waiting for Real Madrid.
Alonso set March as the deadline to confirm his continuity and is currently planning for the next season, although he has not yet officially confirmed that he will stay at Leverkusen, especially with his Real Madrid dream now seemingly within reach.
Perez and Jose Angel Sanchez, as president and general manager respectively, will make a decision soon, knowing that Ancelotti still wants to continue while Alonso is also waiting to make the jump.
And a lot will depend on how tonight’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona unfolds at La Cartuja.
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.
