Real Madrid News
How Real Madrid superstar ‘risked’ himself to try and help save Alonso’s job – report
Following the announcement of Xabi Alonso’s dismissal by Real Madrid, superstar forward Kylian Mbappe was one of the first players to express his affection and gratitude to the former manager.
After all, the 27-year-old superstar hit his best form at Real Madrid this season under Alonso and has been the team’s best player so far.
Mbappe took a risk to help Alonso
Now, L’Equipe reports that Mbappe had taken ‘risks’ with his fitness to play in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday and help Alonso, who was fighting for his job.
The France international was aware that a defeat against Barcelona would very likely be the end of his coach at the club.
It was therefore no coincidence that the Real Madrid No.10 pushed hard to be available for selection, even if only for a few minutes at the end of the match.
Suffering from a knee sprain, Mbappe was expected to be unavailable until 21 January, but he eventually gave in to the requests of a coaching staff he appreciated.
He did not receive a pain-killer injection, as was speculated in Spanish media, but he played while still facing discomfort, despite several warnings about the risk of a relapse with more serious consequences.
A strong bond
As per the report, the relationship between Xabi Alonso and the Frenchman had been smooth since the beginning of their partnership last June.
The former Bayer Leverkusen coach understood that he needed to build a close connection with the captain of the French national team.
Furthermore, Mbappe, for his part, appreciated the dynamic training sessions led by the Real Madrid coach and his vision of the game, despite some players complaining about them.
Interestingly, this comes after there have been speculations about Mbappe defying Alonso’s request to give Barcelona a guard of honour after the Super Cup defeat and pulling his teammates aside.
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.
