Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key superstar has been playing with pain for three weeks – report
Real Madrid are going through a period of pain right now, and none has experienced more so than Federico Valverde.
The Uruguayan international has given everything for the club, even at a time when there was speculation of a potential rift between him and the coach.
Valverde remains loyal to Real Madrid and, in extension, to the manager, as evidenced by the fact that he has been playing with actual physical pain for the longest time.
Valverde is struggling with physical pain
As reported by DAZN journalist Sergio Quirante, it appears Valverde has been playing with physical discomfort for three weeks.
He will continue to do so when Real Madrid take on Alaves, in what could be a make-or-break game for Xabi Alonso.
Indeed, recent reports suggest Alonso will be sacked by Real Madrid if they fail to secure a win against Alaves.
Aware of the discomfort, Valverde would have ideally taken rest in an attempt to recover full fitness. But at a time when Real Madrid are losing, the midfielder doesn’t want to leave his team alone.
Valverde doesn’t want to leave Alonso alone either, knowing any mishap against Alaves could cost him his job as the Real Madrid head coach.
With the year almost coming to an end, it appears Valverde is more than willing to play with physical discomfort, just so he can help the team out.
Not to mention, the Uruguayan international is also aware of Real Madrid’s injury problems and doesn’t want to leave the team short-handed either.
This is an exceptional show of commitment for someone who has been forced to play out of position numerous times, for the benefit of his team.
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.
