Real Madrid News
Real Madrid facing unexpected crisis at crucial position ahead of Elche clash
Just like in previous seasons, Real Madrid are once again dealing with a serious injury crisis at a crucial stage of the campaign.
As the team prepares for an important La Liga fixture against Elche, the squad is heavily depleted.
Real Madrid could be without as many as nine players due to a mix of injuries and suspensions.
This situation has left the coaching staff with limited options in several areas of the pitch, but one position that has been particularly affected is the left-back role.
A role of concern
Alvaro Arbeloa normally has three players who can operate on the left side of defence.
These include Ferland Mendy, Alvaro Carreras, and Fran Garcia. However, heading into the Elche match, the reality is that none of them are arriving in ideal conditions.
The biggest concern once again surrounds Mendy. The French defender has struggled with consistency and injuries over the past few seasons, and his reliability has often been questioned.
Unfortunately for Real Madrid, the situation has repeated itself. Mendy is currently back on the treatment table after suffering his third injury of the season, which means he will not be able to help the team during this important period.
Then there’s Carreras
The second issue involves Carreras. He was playing regularly and gaining confidence before suffering an injury during the match against Getafe.
Because of that setback, he will also miss the upcoming league match against Elche.
Although the club remains optimistic about his recovery, there is hope that he might return in time for a European fixture.
However, doing so would likely mean accelerating his recovery timeline, something the coaching staff will need to manage carefully.
With both Mendy and Carreras injured and unavailable, the spotlight now falls on Fran Garcia.
Not the first option
Ironically, Garcia is currently the only fully fit left-back available in the first-team squad.
Despite being healthy, though, he has had limited opportunities since Arbeloa took charge, often playing a secondary role within the squad.
Now, circumstances have completely changed his situation.
With injuries leaving Real Madrid short of defensive options, Garcia is suddenly expected to take on a far more important role.
What once looked like a position with several options has quickly turned into a major concern for the team.
Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe unlocks three Champions League achievements after Roma 3-4 Real Madrid thriller
Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance with a goal against AS Roma, reaching another major milestone in a competition he has dominated throughout his career.
As such, the Real Madrid forward scored his 72nd Champions League goal on Wednesday, moving past club legend Raul Gonzalez on the competition’s all-time scoring list and into fifth place.
Mbappe surpasses Messi and Raul
Mbappe reached 100 Champions League appearances against Roma and marked the occasion with a goal.
Kylian Mbappé is the youngest-ever player to reach 100 Champions League appearances (27y 298d). Lionel Messi’s record is broken (28y 84d). 💯 https://t.co/QxB7jmGlop
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 14, 2026
At 27 years and 298 days, he became the youngest player to reach that landmark, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record of 28 years and 84 days.
As such, Mbappe’s 72 Champions League goals have come across three clubs: six for Monaco, 42 for Paris Saint-Germain and 24 for Real Madrid.
Only Messi and Lewandowski outscored Mbappe
Mbappe’s record becomes even more impressive when measured against other top Champions League forwards during their first 100 appearances.
📊 Only Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi scored more goals in their first 100 Champions League matches than Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman has netted an incredible 𝟕𝟐 goals in his first century of matches. 🔥 https://t.co/77Yg7DdD6L
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) October 15, 2026
Robert Lewandowski scored 81 goals in his first 100 matches, while Messi registered 77. Mbappe’s 72 goals place him behind those two players, but ahead of numerous other legendary attackers.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the Champions League benchmark
Despite moving into fifth place, Mbappe still has a substantial gap to close before reaching the top of the all-time scoring rankings.
Karim Benzema sits ahead of him with 90 goals, followed by Lewandowski on 109 and Messi on 129. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the standings with 140 Champions League goals.
𝐊𝐘𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐂𝐋 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐒 😲👏 That is now 72 UCL goals for him, breaking into the top 5 😮💨 𝘼𝙡𝙡-𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙨: 👇 140 ⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo 129 ⚽ Lionel Messi 107 ⚽ Robert Lewandowski 90 ⚽ Karim Benzema 72 ⚽ Kylian Mbappé 71 ⚽ Raúl Where will he finish on the all-time UCL top scorers list? 👀
— 433 (@433) October 14, 2026
Mbappe’s 72 strikes leave him 18 behind Benzema, meaning the next target in his pursuit of the all-time greats is within reach if he maintains his scoring rate.
Understandably, Ronaldo’s 141 goals remain the benchmark, leaving Mbappe 68 goals short of the record.
The gap is considerable, but the Frenchman has already demonstrated the scoring consistency needed to climb the rankings, and it won’t be a surprise if he breaks his idol’s record.
