Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to lodge fresh appeal against defender’s red card vs Real Sociedad
Over the weekend, Dean Huijsen became the first Real Madrid player this season to pick up a red card when he stopped Mikel Oyarzabal in his tracks in the game against Real Sociedad.
With the game poised at 1-0, Sociedad had an opportunity to break around the half-hour mark, with Oyarzabal chasing a long ball, in tandem with two Real Madrid centre-backs.
Realising he won’t get to the ball, Huijsen nudged Oyarzabal, leading to a straight red card – his first since joining Real Madrid.
A sticking point for Real Madrid was that the VAR official did not even ask the referee to get the foul checked from the pitchside monitor.
Frustrated with the decision, the Spanish giants lodged an appeal to the disciplinary committee against the red card, which was swiftly rejected.
Subsequently, the Spaniard was also given a one-match suspension, meaning he will miss the next game against Espanyol.
Real Madrid set to challenge Huijsen verdict
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are set to appeal against RFEF’s decision to the governing body’s appeals committee.
Real Madrid remain adamant that Huijsen’s foul did not warrant a red card and a suspension, especially after the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) admitted that the referee Gil Manzano had made an error by sending him off.
“This Committee understands that 100% of the criteria for DOGSO are not met and that the most appropriate sanction would have been a yellow card,” the committee said.
After all, Eder Militao was in vicinity and could have covered while the ball itself was very far from the goal when the incident occurred.
Nevertheless, it appears Huijsen has acknowledged he had made a mistake and that he would have to learn to adapt to the differences between refereeing in La Liga and the Premier League.
However, the youngster believes the decision should have been overturned by the VAR then and there. He would have then avoided such an ordeal.
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.
