Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar a doubt for Copa del Rey final – report
Real Madrid stirred up the RFEF last night with their threat to boycott the final of the Copa del Rey, but the administrative body confirmed that the same referees will continue to officiate the game irrespective of Los Blancos’ pressure.
Now, all attention must turn to the field in Seville where El Clasico is set to kick off in under 24 hours. The game, after all, must be won on the field irrespective of the noise and controversy.
Carlo Ancelotti has a lot to ponder about on that front, especially with a change in formation now appearing to be his best step forward. Reverting to a 4-4-2, however, will come at the cost of one of the team’s star forwards.
A new development
As relayed by COPE in a recent update, Kylian Mbappe is still suffering from discomfort in his right ankle. His participation against Barcelona is, thus, under doubt.
The Frenchman has been included in Real Madrid’s squad to face Barcelona but his sensations may not be positive enough to warrant risking a start. In such a case, it will be Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo who might start as the forwards on the night.
Needless to say, this comes as a major setback to Ancelotti’s plans especially given the fact that Mbappe has been the team’s most important player and decisive in front of goal.
A cameo in the second half cannot be ruled out, but Real Madrid stand to lose in the broader sense regardless with their top goalscorer out.
Notably, however, even Barcelona are without their top goalscorer with Robert Lewandowski sidelines through injury and it will be interesting to see how both teams fare if both strikers do not play a part.
The one silver lining of the development is that the Italian manager will have fewer doubts about shifting to a 4-4-2 if indeed Mbappe is injured.
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.
