Real Madrid News
Just in – Real Madrid megastar has not fully recovered, will not start vs Barcelona
Heading into tonight’s Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona, Real Madrid have been sweating over the availability of attacking megastar Kylian Mbappe.
The French forward suffered an ankle sprain earlier this month in the home defeat against Arsenal that led to Los Blancos’ elimination from the UEFA Champions League.
Mbappe missed the subsequent La Liga games against Alaves and Getafe but returned to training earlier this week and was named in the squad that travelled to Seville for the cup final tonight.
As such, the expectation was that the 26-year-old attacker would be ready to start against Barcelona at Estadio de La Cartuja.
Not ready to start
However, reports emerged overnight suggesting that Mbappe might not be at 100% yet, casting doubts over his involvement in the game.
Building on that, Radio MARCA now reports that the Real Madrid superstar has indeed not fully recovered from his ankle sprain.
The forward was supposed to undergo some last-minute fitness tests today to assess his condition heading into the contest against Barcelona.
Now, it appears that Mbappe is far from the required physical condition to feature from the start against the Catalans in the cup final.
As such, everything indicates that he will begin the game on the bench tonight, with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes likely to start in attack for Real Madrid.
This comes as a blow for Real Madrid considering that Mbappe has been their most prolific forward this season despite having had his ups and downs since joining from PSG last summer.
Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping that his players are able to get the job done without having to rely on the French superstar and risk further aggravating his condition.
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.
