Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield ace could make surprise appearance in starting XI against Schalke despite earlier doubts
A lone Brahim Diaz goal helped Real Madrid to a narrow 1-0 win over Deportivo de A Coruña earlier this week, and the club now stare at their final pre-season clash ahead of the new campaign.
The game will be played against Schalke tomorrow evening, and it will be a critical game for Jose Mourinho and Co. as it will mark the return of several recently returned international stars and even new signings.
With the manager planning several tactical tweaks, especially in midfield, it will be a great opportunity for Mourinho to test out various combinations.
Bellingham’s return to training is massive on that front, but the player’s participation tomorrow was said to be in doubt.
Bellingham could start
Now, as reported by COPE, Bellingham has arrived in very good physical condition, and there is not much he is lacking in terms of match fitness.
If he completes the training session today normally, there is even a possibility that the World Cup semi-finalist starts against Schalke tomorrow.
Also expected to start on the night are the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Yan Diomande and Thibaut Courtois, and the upcoming game may be the closest Real Madrid XI to the one that will start on match day 1.
A midfield puzzle to solve
With Diomande’s arrival, it is clear that Mourinho will count on a 4-3-3 setup for the upcoming season, and there is no question of compromising the attack to add an extra body in midfield.
The middle of the park, however, was exactly where Real Madrid struggled last season, both to create chances and to control the game, and Mourinho has a big puzzle to solve on that front.
Word has it that the manager sees Bernardo Silva as a non-negotiable starter, likely in deep midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.
Jude Bellingham, as matters stand, is the overwhelming favourite to start in the attacking midfield.
Such a setup, however, leaves no place for Federico Valverde or Arda Guler, who are critical to add physicality and creativity, respectively. Moreover, there is also a report that the manager sees Trent Alexander-Arnold as an option for the midfield.
There is not much time left for the manager to put his ideas into practice, and tomorrow’s game will be critical on that front.
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.
