Real Madrid News
Official: Two Real Madrid and Atletico stars included in Belgium’s World Cup squad
With the FIFA World Cup almost upon us, teams are starting to name their squads for the tournament in Qatar. And last edition’s semi-finalists, Belgium, have also released their official 26-man roster that will fly to Doha for the tournament, with two Real Madrid players featuring on it.
Indeed, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has, unsurprisingly, named Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and attacker Eden Hazard in the squad for the Qatar World Cup.
Neither selection comes as a surprise, considering that Courtois is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Belgium and has been performing at the top of his game for Real Madrid for the past year or so.
As for Hazard, the former Chelsea wing-wizard has hardly seen game-time at the club level this season. Despite that, Martinez continues to place immense faith in the 31-year-old, who is the captain of the Belgium national team.
The Real Madrid misfit will lead the team in Qatar and hope to fare better than he has been doing at the club level.
Along with the Real Madrid stars, the Atletico Madrid duo of Axel Witsel and Yannick Carrasco also make the cut for the Belgian national team.
11,59 million Belgians. 26 Devils. 1 goal. 🏆 #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/wwCAMvlU6k
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 10, 2022
Carrasco has been enduring a poor season for Diego Simeone’s side, but his versatility remains immensely valued by the national team boss. As for Witsel, he is one of Belgium’s most experienced stars and will have a role to play in Qatar.
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.
