Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Carlos Espi makes Spain U21 history with five-goal masterclass: ‘A special night’
Carlos Espi has delivered another emphatic reminder of his goalscoring instincts, with the Real Madrid striker making history during Spain Under-21s’ extraordinary 13-0 victory over San Marino.
Espi became the first player in Spain Under-21 history to score five goals in a single match.
Remarkably, it was only his second appearance at this level and his first start, while he also contributed two assists.
Five goals and two assists on a historic night
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Espi spoke about how he felt after his display against San Marino.
“The truth is that it’s a special night,” Espi said.
“I really wanted to be here, to help the team, and I’m very happy.”
“We came here motivated to win and we fought until the end. We knew we were going to be in the box, I was ready for any rebound, any moment, and I was there.”
Carlos Espí anota su doblete particular.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 1, 2026
¡Y pone el séptimo en el marcador!
🇸🇲 0-7 🇪🇸 | 52'
📺 @teledeporte#U21EURO | #NuestraBase pic.twitter.com/eVowH3rMhU
Espi summed up his characteristics perfectly. His greatest quality is not necessarily spectacular technique. It is his instinct for where chances are going to appear.
Spain Under-21 coach David Gordo was equally satisfied, saying Espi did his job by “scoring goals and helping his teammates score too.”
Espi also described the reaction of his team-mates as a source of “pride” and shared the credit for his five goals with the rest of the side before dedicating the achievement to his family and friends.
Another message for Mourinho
San Marino’s level obviously has to be considered before drawing enormous conclusions from a 13-0 victory.
However, Espi’s efficiency is becoming a recurring theme. The 20-year-old had played only 26 minutes across Real Madrid’s opening eight matches this season.
😅 Hoy es tu día de suerte, Carlos.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 1, 2026
🇸🇲 0-9 🇪🇸 | 68'
📺 @teledeporte#U21EURO | #NuestraBase pic.twitter.com/DiKg0au5eU
His late goals against Espanyol and Elche directly helped Madrid secure four points. Now, in his first Spain Under-21 start, he has produced five goals and two assists.
No one is arguing that Espi should suddenly displace Kylian Mbappe, but Jose Mourinho has an increasingly interesting alternative on his bench.
Espi offers Madrid something simple but valuable: a natural penalty-box striker who anticipates rebounds, occupies defenders and does not appear to need much time to showcase his quality.
The Spaniard will have an important role to play for Los Blancos off the bench, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho uses him in the coming months.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
