Real Madrid News
Real Madrid in contact with RFEF as scheduling mess looms following Copa del Rey draw
Earlier today, Real Madrid learned their opponents for the Copa del Rey Round of 16, getting paired against Albacete.
The Round of 16 fixtures will be played between 13-15 January, with kickoff times yet to be confirmed.
However, Real Madrid could find themselves in a mess with regarding to the schedules, given how cramped it is shaping up to be.
Scheduling complications loom
Indeed, as reported by AS, the calendar is tightening significantly, and complications are expected in particular regarding the scheduling of Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey match vs Albacete.
if the Merengues reach the Spanish Super Cup final, it will be played on Sunday 11 January in Jeddah at 20.00 Spanish time. Meanwhile, they are scheduled to play their La Liga match against Levante on Saturday 17 January at 14.00.
In between, the Round-of-16 Copa del Rey match against Albacete must be fitted in, with ties due to be played between 13 and 15 January.
The task is complicated further by the fact that Real Madrid have a UEFA Champions League match scheduled on Tuesday, 20 January, days after the Levante clash.
As such, Real Madrid, who were represented at today’s Copa del Rey draw in Las Rozas by Emilio Butragueno, have been in contact with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regarding the issue.
The RFEF has expressed its intention to engage in dialogue and reach an agreement that satisfies all parties.
The most feasible solution would be to delay the kick-off time of the Levante match, as changing the day is not an option given that Madrid play their Champions League match against AS Monaco on Tuesday 20 January at 21.00.
Schedule to be decided tonight
The plan is for the Copa del Rey kick-off times to be announced later tonight. In principle, Real Madrid would play on Wednesday 14 January, in prime-time television, as they are expected to be selected by TVE.
This would ensure the recommended 72 hours of rest if Xabi Alonso’s men were to defeat Atletico Madrid and reach the final in Saudi Arabia.
In that hypothetical scenario, the responsibility would then fall to La Liga, which would need to assess the option of delaying the kick-off time, but not the date, of the Levante match.
Barcelona, who face Racing Santander, Atletico Madrid, who play Deportivo La Coruna, and Athletic Club, who are drawn against Cultural Leonesa, avoid these scheduling problems due to their European matches being played on Wednesday, which provides greater flexibility.
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.
