Real Madrid News
Antonio Rudiger issues apology to referee, fans after red card vs Barcelona
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is staring at a serious sanction following his red card during last night’s Copa del Rey defeat to FC Barcelona.
The German international started the game for Los Blancos and was lucky to have gotten away with a challenge on Ferran Torres around the 90th minute which could have easily led to a penalty for Barça.
Rudiger was taken off in extra time due to physical discomfort and as Real Madrid conceded a late goal from Jules Kounde, the German international completely lost his cool on the touchline.
Indeed, close to the final whistle, Rudiger indulged in a bitter altercation with the referee and had to be restrained by members of the Real Madrid camp in the dugout as he tried to confront the match official.
The veteran defender even ended up throwing an object in the direction of the referee, earning him a red card and a potential ban ranging between four to twelve games.
Rudiger apologises for his actions
Now, taking to social media, Rudiger has issued an apology to the referee as well as Real Madrid fans for his actions last night.
“There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that,” wrote Rudiger on Instagram.
“We played a very good game from the 2nd half on – After 111 minutes I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake,” he continued.
“Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night,” Rudiger concluded.
As mentioned earlier, Rudiger is staring at serious repercussions for his actions with a minimum of four-match suspension likely, meaning there may be a chance that his season could be over.
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.
