Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder talks captaincy, UCL and more after win vs Sociedad – “Responsible for all this”
Federico Valverde was one of the players in focus as Real Madrid secured a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad to momentarily secure the top spot in La Liga.
The Uruguayan international, who has become a key leader in the Real Madrid dressing room, was delighted with the victory.
Speaking to the press after the match, Valverde talked about the three points as well as Real Madrid’s ambitions in the Champions League and his role as a captain, among other things.
What Valverde said after Real Madrid win over Sociedad
Reacting to the win over Sociedad, Valverde lauded the team’s effort and congratulated them for the victory.
“Happy with the victory, with the effort. We did a spectacular job, both offensively and defensively. We lacked the finishing touch at the beginning. But very happy,” he said.
Defensive resilience was a key factor in Real Madrid’s win, as highlighted by head coach Arbeloa. Valverde, too, pointed this out after the match.
“Trying to stay compact when defending. We knew they moved around a lot in our midfield. It was clear that we defended together throughout the entire match,” he said.
Talking about scopes for improvement going forward, Valverde said it is imperative that the team continues to train well.
“Training, working with the coaching staff. They’re always with us to keep refining our shooting. Thank God it went in. The important thing is that it went in. Whether it was pretty is secondary. The main thing is to win, to get the three points,” he stated.
The Real Madrid superstar went on to talk about the key fixture list ahead for Real Madrid, starting with midweek’s fiery Champions League contest against Benfica.
“We’ve been working for a long time for what’s coming, for the Champions League. We had long weeks where we prepared a lot. We’re going to fight for the League and the Champions League,” he said.
Speaking of Champions League, the Uruguayan international also highlighted Real Madrid’s ambitions in the UCL.
“We are Real Madrid, we always have to go for every title. If I said otherwise, it would be a disgrace on my part; it would be a disgrace as captain of this team. We have to go out and win everything, we have to work hard for it.
“It’s true that we have to work our hardest every day, arrive at training, and focus, whether it’s for two, three, or four hours. Real Madrid deserves that we are 100% focused on football, that we are 100% focused on winning and on going for every title throughout the season,” he pointed out.
Valverde is particularly happy that Real Madrid have started stringing together a series of wins and that the atmosphere has improved after the exit of Xabi Alonso.
“The energy, the good results that are coming in, and the fact that the team is finding its rhythm. We’ve had weeks where we’ve had to swallow a lot of crap, and I think that helped us grow as players and as people. We’ve gone through some bad times,” he said.
“In the end, it made us change, mature as players who didn’t win anything last year, and haven’t won anything this year.
“The first thing we have to do is settle down, grow as individuals, and grow as players day by day. We have to recognise that things need to change, that they weren’t right, and I think now is the time,” he added.
Finally, the Real Madrid star talked about captaincy and how it is difficult to lead a team like Los Blancos.
“This is my first year as captain, and it’s been tough. If I told you it was incredible, I’d be lying. You’re responsible for all of this; you feel responsible. I feel responsible when things aren’t going well. That’s just how I am.
“It’s not just because I’m captain; whenever things aren’t going well or we’re not winning, I’m always the first one to blame,” he said.
“It’s not the end of the world if others are getting booed; we, as teammates, have to stay strong. We know we’ve been through some really bad times, as I’ve said many times, well deserved given how we were playing during the season,” he concluded.
It must be remembered that with Dani Carvajal facing an uncertain future, Real Madrid have reportedly chosen Valverde as their full-time captain, especially if the Spaniard doesn’t continue beyond the end of the season.
Source: Diario AS
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.
