Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo not in Ancelotti’s plans, placed on transfer list – report
As Real Madrid focuses on the departure front, it has become increasingly important for Carlo Ancelotti to identify players whom he does not count upon. This is not only essential in order to facilitate more signings but also to lighten the wage bill.
According to reports from MARCA, Los Blancos have placed Mariano Diaz and Alvaro Odriozola on the transfer market. The manager does not count on either player for the upcoming season and sees them as saleable.
Mariano has barely seen playing time since his arrival to the club in 2018. The highest number of league games the striker participated in was 16 in the 2020-21 season, and that too fell to a meagre nine games last season.
Since his arrival four years ago, the 28-year-old has only scored six goals in La Liga. Needless to say, the manager feels that the likes of Borja Mayoral can provide a better output, but even he is looking at an exit to Getafe.
Meanwhile, Odriozola only returned from his loan spell at Fiorentina last month. In 25 league starts for the Serie A side, he scored one goal and provided one assist. Defensively, he oversaw just three clean sheets and recorded less than four defensive actions per game.
Daniel Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez have proven to be reliable at right-back in recent seasons. Given the latter’s phenomenal adaptation to his new role, Odriozola is seen as a surplus by the club.
It remains to be seen if the players leave on a loan deal or a permanent transfer. Regardless, the club will push for their departure in either form.
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.
