Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo out of Mallorca clash, but could return for Club World Cup
Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Valencia on Thursday night, reducing the gap at the top of the table to their arch-rivals FC Barcelona to five points.
But the win came at its own costs, with both Eder Militao and Karim Benzema picking up fresh knocks that prompted their substitutions.
Benzema appeared to have taken a knock in his groin. He was substituted around the hour mark by Rodrygo, whereas Militao picked up a knock quite early on in the game, but continued to play. The Brazilian was ultimately taken off in the 36th minute.
After the game, it was reported that Benzema’s blow was not expected to be serious. And as per a recent report from Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, it appears both Benzema and Militao are set to undergo tests tomorrow.
First reviews suggest they are both set to be ruled out in the upcoming game against Mallorca in La Liga. But there is optimism they can be fit for the Club World Cup matches next week.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been handed boost in the fitness of Toni Kroos, David Alaba and Dani Ceballos.
Both Kroos and Ceballos suffered from discomfort during the game against Valencia, with the former even being subbed off by Ancelotti. Meanwhile, Alaba is still recovering from the muscular problem that has kept him out of action for the last three weeks or so.
The report suggests all three players are expected to return to training tomorrow and will be available against Mallorca.
Real Madrid, though, may not have the luxury of having Lucas Vazquez back at their disposal in the coming matches. The wide player is still nursing his injury and it will be a surprise to see him return to full fitness for the Club World Cup matches next week.
Los Merengue are set to kickstart their Club World Cup campaign on Wednesday in Morocco, though their opponent for the semi-final encounter has not yet been decided.
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.
