Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid learn their opponents for 2025-26 Copa del Rey Round of 16
Having booked a place in the Round of 16 of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey last month, Real Madrid have now learned who their opponents are for the next phase.
As per the competition rules, the teams participating in the Spanish Super Cup cannot face each other until the quarter-finals.
As such, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club were going to avoid each other in the Round of 16. Moreover, the rules stipulate that the four teams will face opponents from the lowest divisions active in the competition.
As such, Los Blancos could have drawn one among Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, Albacete, Burgos, Racing de Santander, or Deportivo La Coruna.
And, they have been paired up against Albacete.
🏆🆚 ¡El @AlbaceteBPSAD será nuestro rival en octavos de la Copa del Rey!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 7, 2026
👉 @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/i2iceAY7RG
Real Madrid progressed to the Round of 16 of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey after securing a 3-2 win over lower league outfit CF Talavera in December.
The game was far from easy, with the minnows putting up a strong fight, making for a nervy finish, with Real Madrid ultimately getting a narrow win.
Meanwhile, Albacete qualified for the Round of 16 after defeating Leganes in the previous stage.
All matches will be played at the home ground of the lower-ranked team, unless both teams are in the same category. In that case, the team whose ball comes out first in the draw will be the home team.
As such, Real Madrid’s Round of 16 encounter will take place at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte.
The matches in this round will be played on 13, 14 and 15 January. Except for the semi-finals, all matches are single-leg fixtures, and VAR technology will be used from this round onwards.
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.
