Real Madrid News
Barcelona’s defeat to Real Sociedad ‘widely celebrated’ at Real Madrid – report
Starting with the disappointment of the Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona to the surprise sacking of Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa’s appointment, the past week was a tumultuous one at Real Madrid.
The shock loss to Albacete in the Copa del Rey in the new manager’s first game only piled on the misery, leading to talks of a crisis at the club.
However, the manner in which the week ended is certain to have lifted the mood at Valdebebas.
After all, Real Madrid picked up their first victory under Arbeloa, beating Levante 2-0, even though it came in front of a Bernabeu crowd that booed the majority of players and even shouted for Florentino Perez to resign.
Barcelona’s loss the cherry on top
On top of that, Barcelona lost their La Liga match against Real Sociedad on Sunday – something that was ‘widely celebrated’ at all levels at Real Madrid, reports Mario Cortegana of The Athletic.
The Blaugrana who went into Matchday 20 of the league with a four-point lead over Real Madrid, were beaten 2-1 by La Real despite dominating the proceedings in San Sebastian. It brought an end to their 11-game winning streak in all competitions.
The result, following Real Madrid’s victory on Saturday, meant that the Merengues are only one point behind Hansi Flick’s side in the table, throwing the title race wide open once again.
It was a cause for celebration at Real Madrid, with one dressing room source telling The Athletic: “It’s mandatory to believe always.”
Furthermore, there is strong belief and confidence in the locker room that Real Madrid will improve over the coming months to go on to win the league title.
For now, however, the focus shifts to Europe, with AS Monaco coming up tomorrow in the UEFA Champions League.
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.
