Real Madrid News
Former Liverpool forward launches scathing attack on Real Madrid – ‘It was a smokescreen’
There has been much controversy heading into the Copa Del Rey final tonight between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
A day before the game, Real Madrid issued an official statement against made by referees Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes.
De Burgos referred to videos from RMTV, which had highlighted errors in his refereeing. He talked about the impact of these videos on his personal life.
Real Madrid, though, considered these statements unacceptable, with many reports even claiming that Los Blancos will not take part in the final unless the referees are changed.
While Real Madrid have now clarified that they will take part in the final, their actions have drawn criticism from across the footballing fraternity.
Djibril Cisse criticises Real Madrid
One of the former footballers who has criticised Real Madrid’s actions is Djibril Cisse.
Speaking to L’Equipe (h/t AS), the former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward labelled Real Madrid’s action as a way to escape a potential thrashing in the final.
“What Real Madrid did was a smokescreen to anticipate a thrashing. Nothing like what Real Madrid did has ever been seen. The referee explained what his son was suffering. He’s a family man. He wasn’t disrespectful to Madrid,” he said.
It must be noted that Real Madrid have lost to Barcelona twice this season, conceding at least four goals on both occasions.
This has led many to believe Barcelona may easily secure the Copa del Rey tonight, even though Real Madrid have a track record of stepping up when it is needed.
Even personalities like Victor Valdes have warned Barcelona of Real Madrid’s pedigree heading into the final.
Nevertheless, Cisse continued his attack on Real Madrid, notably implying that the club will put the blame of the referee if they lose.
“They’re afraid of a little hand. If they lose, it will be the referee’s fault, not because they didn’t prepare well for the match. They can do whatever they want, but in the end, they’re going to play,” he added.
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.
