Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outcast on the radars of two Italian giants ahead of the January window
Alvaro Odriozola has endured a torrid season so far at Real Madrid. The Spanish right-back is the only player from the first-team squad to not have played a single minute of competitive football for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season.
Following a decent loan spell at Fiorentina last season, the former Real Sociedad ace had returned to the Spanish capital club with hope of reigniting his career that had stalled in recent times.
But with no change in his situation at the Santiago Bernabeu, a January exit could be on the cards for Odriozola when the January transfer window opens for business next week.
And, according to Mundo Deportivo, two Italian giants in AC Milan and AS Roma could be interested in offering Odriozola an escape route out of Real Madrid in the winter.
The 27-year-old has been with Los Blancos since 2018 when he joined from Real Sociedad, but has failed to carve out a place for himself in the setup, with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.
Odriozola has had two spells away on loan from the Santiago Bernabeu, with the right-back spending the second half of the 2019/20 season at Bayern Munich and then playing for Fiorentina in the previous campaign.
During his time at Real Madrid, the Spaniard has made just 43 appearances, contributing with three goals and ten assists.
But with Los Merengues looking at the possibility of making Vinicius Tobias’ transfer permanent, there does not seem to be any space for Odriozola at Real Madrid.
An exit in the January window, thus, could be the best possible option for all parties involved. And a transfer to either Milan and Roma, where he could play at a high level and participate in European football could certainly appeal to Odriozola.
Whether an exit materialises or he continues to warm the benches at the Bernabeu in the second half of the season will be interesting to see.
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.
