Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender misses training ahead of Real Sociedad clash due to flu
Real Madrid continued their preparations for Saturday’s La Liga game against Real Sociedad, where a victory could send them to the top of the La Liga standings.
As already reported, the training session saw some notable absences, including Kylian Mbappe, who did not take part in the group work for a second consecutive day.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo Goes were also absent as they continue recovering from their injuries.
Now, it has emerged that another important player was not part of the training session today.
No Raul Asencio in training
Indeed, according to journalist Melchor Ruiz of COPE, Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio was not training today with the group because of a flu.
The 22-year-old academy graduate has become a key player for Los Blancos in recent months, stepping up in a big manner in the injury-enforced absence of players like Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger.
So far this season, Asencio has played 27 matches in all competitions, even scoring two and assisting one goal.
It must be noted that the defender has been playing with pain and discomfort for several weeks now, having been dealing with a crack in his tibia.
Alvaro Arbeloa has been keen on managing the youngster’s minutes carefully, but the absence of options at the back has meant that he has had to keep on playing.
So, it remains to be seen if Asencio is granted a breather this weekend against Real Sociedad, especially with the player also recovering from a flu.
Dean Huijsen and David Alaba are available as options at centre-back, while Antonio Rudiger has also made his comeback to the squad. So, there could be scope for some rotation.
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.
