Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender suspended for one match as appeal to overturn red card rejected
Real Madrid are set to be without key defender Dean Huijsen this weekend when they face RCD Espanyol, as he has been hit with a one-match suspension.
Huijsen was shown a red card against Real Sociedad in La Liga last weekend, following which Real Madrid lodged an appeal to get it overturned.
However, the RFEF Disciplinary Committee has rejected the appeal and handed the young centre-back a one-match ban.
What happened?
Huijsen was sent off in the 32nd minute for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal. Referee Gil Manzano judged it as denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and recorded in his match report:
“He was sent off for bringing down an opponent, thereby denying a clear goal-scoring chance.”
Real Madrid contested the decision, arguing that Eder Militao’s proximity and the distance from goal meant it could not be considered a clear chance.
In their appeal, Los Blancos submitted video footage as evidence and stated that “there is a manifest material error in considering that the action of the aforementioned expelled player did not prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity.”
However, the committee ruled that the images provided did not prove a “manifest material error” and upheld the referee’s interpretation.
Quoting Article 27 of the Disciplinary Code, the committee stressed that referees’ match reports are binding unless there is an “obvious material error”:
“In assessing infractions related to sports discipline, the referee’s decisions on facts related to the game are final and are presumed to be true, unless there is a manifest material error.
“The assessment of the existence or not of an ‘obvious goalscoring opportunity’ constitutes a technical decision relating to the interpretation and application of the Laws of the Game.
“Such matters are the exclusive responsibility of the referees and cannot be reviewed by the disciplinary bodies once the commission of the infraction has been verified.”
CTA admits error
As a result, Huijsen will serve the minimum sanction of one match, even though the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) had already admitted that the red card was a mistake.
Indeed, Marta Frias, spokesperson for the CTA, confirmed on Tuesday that Huijsen should not have been sent off:
“This Committee understands that 100% of the criteria for DOGSO are not met and that the most appropriate sanction would have been a yellow card.”
However, the spokeperson also defended the VAR’s decision to not intervene: “The VAR only intervenes in clear, obvious, and manifest errors.
“This play falls within what we call gray issues, those that admit more than one interpretation. The decision should have been left to the main referee and the VAR acted correctly by not intervening.”
Given the bizarre situation, Real Madrid are taking the matter to the Appeals Committee.
Source: AS
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.
