Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ‘optimistic’ about Karim Benzema after knee injury vs Celtic
Real Madrid pulled off a second-half masterclass to outplay Celtic on Tuesday night and register a 3-0 win. The game had plenty of positive takeaways, but also brought some very bad news.
When Karim Benzema was substituted off at the half-hour mark, one knew that it could not be a sign of good things to come. The Frenchman had discomfort in his knee but nothing further was known about the prognosis.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana, there is optimism over Benzema’s knee injury but doctors insist that it is still too early to decide. A more accurate analysis of his fitness will be available after the tests are conducted today.
Benzema is undoubtedly one of Real Madrid’s most treasured players. The UEFA Player of the Year single-handedly led Los Blancos’ UCL campaign against all odds last season. His consistent goalscoring record also helped the team win the La Liga title.
The problem, however, is that the club have no direct replacement for the striker. Despite their best attempts to sign a new striker in the recently concluded transfer window, Real Madrid did not find the ideal candidate and pushed the operation to next summer.
When asked about Benzema’s situation after the clash yesterday, Ancelotti said:
“We don’t think Benzema has a big problem. It’s muscular. We have to wait for the tests tomorrow. Then we will know what Benzema has.”
For now, the manager will continue to trust Eden Hazard in the absence of his talisman. Moreover, one could expect Benzema to be rested against Mallorca out of precaution too.
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.
