Real Madrid News
Bellingham red card vs Barcelona overturned; Rudiger hit with six-game ban, two for Vazquez
In a major development, COPE reports that Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has seen his red card against Barcelona get overturned.
However, Antonio Rudiger has been hit with a six-game ban by the RFEF Competitions Committee while fellow defender Lucas Vazquez faces a two-match suspension.
After a finale charged with tension, a number of Real Madrid players lost their cool towards the end of extra time as Barcelona won the finale 3-2 to lift the trophy.
Bellingham’s red card rescinded
Bellingham was shown a red card by the referee after the full-time whistle with the official report from stating that the sending-off was because the midfielder walked aggressively towards him and had to be restrained by his teammates.
However, after reviewing the video footage involving the incident, the Competitions Committee has found no wrongdoing from the England international.
As such, they have proceeded to rescind the red card shown to him, meaning Bellingham will not be suspended at all.
Six games for Rudiger
Rudiger, who was on the bench, was involved in an aggressive altercation with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and even threw an object in the direction of the match official.
As such, he was expected to face a severe sanction between 4-12 games, with the disciplinary body now handing him a six-game ban.
Given that the suspension is for more than four matches, it will be applicable across all competitions, meaning Rudiger will serve the suspension in the remaining five matches in La Liga and one game next season.
With the 32-year-old defender currently injured and having undergone surgery, he was anyway going to miss the remainder of the current campaign. In addition, he will need to sit out of the first La Liga game of the 2025/26 season.
As for Vazquez, the veteran right-back faces a two-match suspension, which will be served in the Copa del Rey next season – although at this point it is uncertain if he will still be at Real Madrid by then.
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.
