Real Madrid News
Arbeloa talks Vinicius, Mbappe, Bellingham, Brahim after Real Madrid 6-1 Monaco
Real Madrid smashed six goals past Monaco in the UEFA Champions League last night with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe all stepping up.
The game came as a much-improved display from Los Blancos, whose football has been nothing to cheer about in recent months, and a reminder to the dressing room that they are still one of the best in the world.
More importantly, it was a much-needed improvement to show the Santiago Bernabeu and earn back the supporters’ favour.
Arbeloa’s analysis
Speaking to the media after the game, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arebloa thanked the fans for supporting the team last night and making it a special game at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“When the Bernabeu is on our side, we are a great team and on all the big nights, the players do not care. We need a Bernabéu that is on our side.”
“We know that we have to be the first to play like today, to make an effort and to have brilliance.
“Very happy for a great night for the Bernabeu audience and for the Real Madrid players.”
Praising the players who excelled on the night, Arbeloa said,
“I saw how much the Bernabeu was devoted to Vini, Kylian Mbappe, to Jude Bellingham and to everyone.”
“Bellingham’s running was absolutely unbelievable.
“Franco [Mastantuono], Arda [Guler], the youngsters, Fede [Valderde] and Camavinga are playing in positions that are not their natural positions and the effort they put in.
“As a coach, I’m very happy.”
Special mention of Vinicius
Taking a specific moment to praise Vinicius Jr and highlight the audience’s importance in getting the best out of the player, Arbeloa said,
“Vini Jr. is unstoppable when this stadium is with him and the most dangerous player there is. We need Vini Jr. if we want to fight for all the trophies.”
“He knows he has all my faith in him to show his football and the freedom and almost the obligation to bring out all the magic he has.
“He needs to feel loved by his people and his fans. He came here very young and he is very emotional,” he added.
The manager then spoke out against the hectic schedule and how he is not getting time to work with the players.
“There are a lot of games left and this week I have had more press conferences than training sessions. I miss having more time to work with the players.”
“Real Madrid goes beyond styles and tactical concepts, it is above all about character, mentality, ambition and effort. That’s Real Madrid and that’s the first step we have to take,” he added.
UCL favourites
Arbeloa was then asked if his team were favourites to win the UEFA Champions League.
“Real Madrid are always favourites for everything. This is their competition.
“There are some great teams and there is still a world left, but this is Real Madrid and they will always be favourites in this competition.”
When asked to give good thoughts on the work rate of the forwards, Arbeloa completely backed Mbappe and Vinicius and the efforts they delivered for the collective.
“Whenever the team is together and high up, they’re the first ones to press, depending also on the opponents and the position of the team and the block.
Both Vini Jr. and Kylian are doing a great job and we also want them to be fresh to attack.
“I don’t want two strikers going down to chase the full-backs or the midfielders.
I want them to do a good job and I want to see a team that runs together, but that both can be fresh to make the difference like they did today,” he added.
Arbeloa was then reminded of how ten years ago, the then Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane took over the team and won the Champions League, hinting at him possibly repeating it.
“What happened at that time was historic and in the Champions League era, it has never been achieved before. What Zidane did was exceptional and difficult to repeat, not only for Madrid.”
“We’re going to fight for everything this year. I don’t believe much in coincidences, only in work and enthusiasm,” he added.
Finally, he was asked about Brahim Diaz, who will be back with the team after an AFCON that ended in heartbreak.
“He had an exceptional tournament. If Morocco reached the final, it’s in a very high percentage because of their tournament.”
“He will be with and his teammates are looking forward to giving him a big hug and to see that unity between them makes me happy and confident for the future.”
Source: Real Madrid website
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.
