Real Madrid News
Just in: Real Madrid’s defensive lynchpin picks up injury during international break
Real Madrid’s decision to not go all out after top left-back target Alphonso Davies this summer was a strategic one.
The club believed Bayern Munich were asking for an unfair valuation for the Canadian international and were more than willing to wait for a year in order to sign him for a free transfer.
But not signing a new left-back also left Real Madrid’s left-back department widely exposed, with Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia as the only two options.
Ferland Mendy picks up fresh injury
And now, it appears Real Madrid’s worst nightmare has been met, with Mendy picking up an injury while training with the French national team.
As reported by El Chiringuito, Mendy has suffered an injury to his right tibia and has left the French national team camp.
The Real Madrid star has been replaced by former Barcelona left-back Lucas Digne in the team, with Mendy all set to return to the Bernabeu.
Although the extent of Mendy’s injury has not come to light, any kind of blow for the Frenchman could prove to be catastrophic for Real Madrid.
As mentioned earlier, the Spanish giants are running thin in the left-back position and Mendy’s injury, to that end, could leave them devoid of any reliable alternative.
Fran Garcia is likely to replace Mendy for the short term, but the young fullback has not truly fulfilled his potential since returning to Madrid.
Nevertheless, for now, Real Madrid will be praying that Mendy’s injury will not be severe enough and that the defender can return to action sooner rather than later.
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.
