Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face CF Talavera | Copa del Rey
Real Madrid will begin their Copa del Rey campaign later tonight when they take on CF Talavera away at Estadio Municipal El Prado.
Ahead of the trip to La Mancha, Xabi Alonso has announced the squad list of players available at his disposal for selection.
The major headline is that Kylian Mbappe is fit and available and makes it to the squad list despite not training with the rest of the group on Tuesday.
Given that he is only four goals shy of breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goals in a calendar year at Real Madrid, one can expect the French superstar to take the field in some capacity against Talavera.
Dani Ceballos, who was also absent from training yesterday due to a stomach bug, has recovered and included in the squad list.
However, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde miss out, having been dealing with some discomfort, which kept them from training on Tuesday. Raul Asencio is also not travelling.
Meanwhile, Endrick, Alvaro Carreras, and Fran Garcia return to the squad after missing the weekend La Liga clash through suspension.
Thibaut Courtois has been rested, with Andriy Lunin set to start in goal. Fran Gonzalez and Javi Navarro of Castilla are the backup choices for the goalkeeping position.
Meanwhile, other Castilla players like David Jimenez, Joan Martinez, Victor Valdepenas, Jorge Cestero, and Thiago Pitarch all feature in the squad list, with a couple of them even likely to get some minutes.
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.
