Real Madrid News
Confirmed: Real Madrid squad list to face Espanyol | La Liga MD 2
Real Madrid begin their new era under Jose Mourinho tomorrow as they take on RCD Espanyol in their first game of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
The Merengues have had a solid pre-season under the Portuguese tactician, putting in some solid displays, and will be eager to hit the ground running in the league.
Ahead of the trip to Catalonia, Los Blancos have now announced the squad list of players who will be at Mourinho’s disposal for the season opener on Saturday night.
All six of Real Madrid’s summer signings are included in the squad and could make their official debuts for the club.
Indeed, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Carlos Espi, Yan Diomande, and Bernardo Silva are all named on the squad list for the trip to Espanyol.
Meanwhile, as already confirmed, Endrick misses out with an injury, while Aurelien Tchouameni is also not called up as he has only recently resumed training after recovering from a physical issue.
Raul Asencio, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy are all unavailable through fitness issues as well.
Real Madrid have also called up youngsters Mario Rivas and Alexis Ciria, who have impressed in pre-season, while Jorge Cestero also features.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 21, 2026
🆚 @RCDEspanyol pic.twitter.com/yxwFQAX6De
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.
