Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup to face UD Almeria | La Liga
Real Madrid face off against UD Almeria at the Power Horse Stadium in a couple of hours in Matchweek 2 of the 2023/24 La Liga.
With kickoff not far away, manager Carlo Ancelotti has released the starting lineup that will be taking the field against Vicente Moreno’s side today evening.
There are two changes made to the team that started in the season opener against Athletic Club last weekend, with both alterations coming as enforced ones.
Antonio Rudiger steps into the backline to partner David Alaba following Eder Militao’s ACL rupture. Dani Carvajal and Fran Garcia continue as the full-backs while Andriy Lunin retains his spot in goal ahead of new signing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The second alteration comes in midfield where Toni Kroos starts in place of Eduardo Camavinga, who is dealing with some discomfort and is left on the bench.
Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni retain their places in midfield while Jude Bellingham continues as the attacking midfielder behind the forward duo of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial 🆚 @U_D_Almeria!#AlmeríaRealMadrid |@UnicajaBanco pic.twitter.com/Gfh3mBYSYF
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 19, 2023
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.
