Real Madrid News
Arbeloa calls up five Real Madrid youth players in first training session
Having taken over as the manager of the Real Madrid first team, Alvaro Arbeloa conducted his first training session with the senior setup today.
The former right-back, who was the head coach of Castilla this season, was handed the job after Real Madrid decided to dismiss Xabi Alonso as the first-team head coach on Monday.
Arbeloa will begin his journey with the first team tomorrow when he leads them in a Copa del Rey tie against Albacete.
Five youngsters called up
With preparations getting underway today, Arbeloa decided to call up as many as five youth players to train with the Real Madrid first-team squad, reports MARCA.
Indeed, Manuel Angel, Jorge Cestero, David Jimenez, Joan Martinez and Cesar Palacios all worked with the senior team today and at least a few could be called up for the trip to Albacete on Wednesday.
Someone who has been coaching in the Real Madrid academy since 2020, Arbeloa has a deep knowledge of the talent coming through the ranks at La Fabrica.
The former Spanish international has tasted success in the past across various youth levels as coach in the Real Madrid academy and was doing a solid job at Castilla this season.
So, it does not come as a surprise to see some of the youngsters, who have already had some exposure with the senior setup under Alonso, get called up again by Arbeloa.
Moreover, there may be some notable absences from the squad for the cup tie, and as such, there is a possibility at that some, if not all, of the five youth players get called up for the game tomorrow.
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.
