Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hierarchy blamed Xabi Alonso for mishandling key players – report
After joining from River Plate with much excitement, Franco Mastantuono’s debut season at Real Madrid hasn’t gone according to plan.
After initially making a strong start, the Argentine has struggled with injuries and a lack of game time, finishing the campaign with just three goals and an assist.
According to Jorge Picon, prominent and influential figures within Real Madrid are not satisfied with how Xabi Alonso handled the Argentine teenager during his time in charge, and hold the former manager partly responsible for the damage done to the youngster’s confidence.
Alonso accused of rushing Mastantuono
The criticism centres on Alonso’s decision to thrust Mastantuono into matches almost immediately upon his arrival.
This is especially relevant given that the 18-year-old needed time to settle and adapt to a new country, a new league and a new style of football.
Those within the club feel the player was overwhelmed by the pressure placed on him too early, and that being subsequently dropped from the lineup stripped him of much of the self-belief he had arrived with.
The feeling internally is that the mismanagement of his introduction to the club set back his development significantly.
A wider pattern of criticism
The report suggests the Real Madrid hierarchy also directed criticism at both Alonso and Arbeloa for their handling of other players during their respective tenures.
Dean Huijsen, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham have all been mentioned in the context of decisions that influential figures at the club felt were misguided, each for different reasons.
The cumulative picture painted is one of a club that feels its last two managers repeatedly failed to get the best out of the talent available to them, adding further justification to the decision to bring in Jose Mourinho this summer.
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.
