Real Madrid News
‘He trusted me a lot’ – Bayer Leverkusen star opens up on Real Madrid rumours and Xabi Alonso’s sacking
Alejandro Grimaldo addressed the speculation that linked him with Real Madrid, while also offering his thoughts on former manager Xabi Alonso and his future ambitions.
The Spanish full-back enjoyed some of the best football of his career under Alonso at Leverkusen, becoming one of the key figures in the German side’s rise.
Their successful partnership naturally led to rumours that a reunion could take place elsewhere, particularly when Alonso returned to Real Madrid as a manager.
Now, Grimaldo has reflected on those rumours and explained how he viewed the possibility of working with the coach again.
On Alonso’s sacking
During an interview with AS, Grimaldo was asked about Alonso’s managerial journey and whether he was surprised by the way things unfolded at Real Madrid.
The defender admitted he expected the former midfielder to succeed and remains convinced that Alonso has all the qualities needed to become one of football’s elite coaches.
“Yes, I was surprised. I was one of those who said he was going to be successful, and I still think he will be.
“Sooner or later, he’s going to be one of the best coaches in the world. I’ve been around him, I’ve worked with him, I know his mindset, his ideas about soccer, and I know he has an incredible future ahead of him.
“But the Madrid locker room… in the end, it’s all about results. Although I don’t think they were doing badly at the time he left the club.
“But anyway, I don’t get involved in that.”
Signing for Real Madrid
The conversation then turned towards the transfer rumours that linked Grimaldo with Real Madrid when Alonso was in charge of Los Blancos.
The Leverkusen defender acknowledged the close relationship he built with the coach but admitted that a move never materialised.
“In the end, with Xabi, ever since he brought me to Leverkusen, we’ve been very close. We’ve had a lot of success together, and he trusted me a lot.
“I was thrilled to be with him, but in the end, when you go to a club like Madrid, well, I guess you can’t bring in every player you like.
“We had to go our separate ways, and he’s now at Chelsea. I wish him the best; he’ll have an incredible future,” he concluded.
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.
