Real Madrid News
Real Madrid prodigy’s ACL injury caused by a clash with summer arrival – report
At just 16 years old, Joan Martinez stood out as one of the brightest highlights of Real Madrid’s recently concluded US pre-season tour.
Recently integrated into the first-team setup under Carlo Ancelotti, the young prodigy had captured the Italian’s confidence, earning a spot in the squad for the European Super Cup.
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa also saw him as a key player for the Youth League. Originally slated to feature prominently in Castilla and occasionally with Real Madrid C in Segunda RFEF, Martinez was expected to form a crucial partnership with Jacobo Ramon.
Alas, the youngster’s dreams of making an impact in the foreseeable future have been fatefully dashed following an ACL injury he picked up during Real Madrid’s training session.
A clash between Endrick and Martinez resulted in the injury
According to MARCA, the teenage centre-back suffered a blow due to a challenge between him and the new arrival Endrick.
The close proximity and physicality inherent in training can sometimes lead to accidental collisions and it appears the Brazilian was unintentionally at fault for injuring Martinez.
Despite the injury’s drawbacks, the prognosis is positive. It has been confirmed that, aside from the cruciate ligament tear, neither the meniscus nor the lateral ligament is affected.
The next step is to wait for the inflammation to subside before scheduling surgery. Following that, a lengthy recovery period, possibly 6-7 months, will commence.
For now, the youngster continues to receive heaps of support from his teammates and Endrick will also certainly be wishing for his teammate to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.
Given Real Madrid’s lack of options in the centre-back department and the waning possibility of any additional recruitments this month, the club would be hoping to have Joan Martinez back at the earliest.
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.
