Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rejected Ancelotti’s request to hire more tactical analysts – report
After the Champions League exit earlier in the month, Real Madrid wasted an opportunity to get their season back on track by losing the Copa Del Rey final to Barcelona.
While the Spanish giants were not completely outplayed by Barcelona as they were in the past couple of occasion, they once again failed to outperform the Catalans.
After the defeat, much of the blame has been directed towards Carlo Ancelotti for getting completely outplayed by Hansi Flick’s men. Everything also indicates that the Italian will be leaving sooner rather than later.
Ancelotti requested more tactical analysts
However, a recent report from Jorge Picon (h/t Madrid Xtra) has indicated that Ancelotti had made a crucial request to the Real Madrid board before the Copa Del Rey final.
It appears Ancelotti had asked the club to strengthen his technical staff, specifically by bringing in more tactical analysts.
Last night, at La Cartuja, the contrast was clear as Barcelona had a team of seven analysts equipped with multiple laptops and a video camera, while Real Madrid had only two analysts supporting the coaching team.
Despite his request, the club decided not to back him. While Real Madrid explored options like hiring Andy Mangan to support the Italian, the move was eventually ruled out.
Internal politics also played a role, with the club wanting to influence staffing choices for long-term stability beyond Ancelotti’s tenure.
At the end, the damage was already done and it appears Ancelotti is now into his final few weeks as the Real Madrid manager.
What will follow in the coming weeks will be interesting to see, with Xabi Alonso earmarked as the ideal replacement for the Italian tactician.
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.
