Real Madrid News
Real Madrid teenage duo shine as Ancelotti experiments dynamic frontline in pre-season training
The pre-season offers coaches maximum authority to tinker around with their available personnel and extract new ideas.
With Real Madrid’s US pre-season tour beginning shortly against AC Milan, coach Carlo Ancelotti is experimenting with new concepts in training.
Currently, Real Madrid are broadcasting their training session live from Chicago on Real Madrid TV.
Real Madrid’s formidable depth
With the additions of Endrick and Kylian Mbappe in the summer transfer window, one of Los Blancos’ key strengths will be their formidable depth in attack.
Now, Ancelotti is capitalizing on this newfound depth by experimenting with a front three of Arda Guler, Endrick, and Brahim Diaz during today’s training session when they played a mini-match.
This trio has quickly made an impression, with Endrick scoring twice, both goals assisted by Guler. This promising combination highlights the impressive depth and future potential within Madrid’s squad.
Guler’s creative passing combined with Endrick’s instinctive goal-scoring ability creates a partnership that could challenge opponents significantly in the future.
In fact, the pair’s exploits in training today are perhaps a brief glimpse of things to come in the upcoming season.
Although the likes of Guler, Endrick, and Brahim are not anticipated to feature regularly over Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., or Rodrygo Goes, Real Madrid can take solace in knowing their secondary options are capable enough to be starters in most European elite sides.
Moreover, having such promising players on the bench would allow the starters to frequently be preserved for big encounters, ensuring the risk of injury does not loom large.
Having such talented players on the squad means that the expected starters will constantly face competition from eager challengers looking to secure a spot in the starting lineup.
Following a campaign riddled with injuries, Ancelotti will be relieved to know that he is finally spoiled for choice.
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.
