Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain faith in young defender despite costly mistake vs Real Sociedad
In a game where most Real Madrid players, including Federico Valverde, Trent and Vinicius Junior stepped up, Dean Huijsen was a rare outlier vs Real Sociedad.
The young defender, starting at the heart of Real Madrid’s defence, made a silly tackle that cost Los Blancos a penalty and gave Sociedad the opportunity to level the scoreline.
The penalty could have proven to be costly for Real Madrid had it not been for some brilliant attacking display that saw the team secure a 4-1 victory on the night.
Real Madrid retain faith in Huijsen
Despite the costly mistake, however, Real Madrid retain full faith in Huijsen’s services and have no plans to alter his future, reports Defensa Central.
While the club are starting to have some doubts about the valuation that they brought in him, they have certain that the player has the talent to make up for his hefty price-tag.
Real Madrid understand that Huijsen is young and has ample space to improve his game. Not to mention, he was one of the stars of the Premier League.
Therefore, the club expect the young Spaniard to improve his game in the coming weeks and eventually become a vital component in the Real Madrid backline.
To make things better, Los Blancos are hopeful that Antonio Rudiger’s return to fitness will boost the team’s defence, especially on Champions League nights.
Moreover, Eder Militao is slowly recovering as well and the Brazilian’s potential return could go a long way in aiding the depth of the Real Madrid defence.
As for Huijsen, the former Bournemouth starlet will look to bounce back when Real Madrid take on SL Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.
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.
