Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to honour two World Cup winners at Santiago Bernabeu during Real Sociedad clash
Real Madrid started their La Liga campaign on a winning note, with a late 2-1 win over Espanyol thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi.
They are now set to welcome Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be their second league game of the season.
Jose Mourinho will be hoping for a more cohesive performance than the one against Espanyol and to see more positives against the Basque club.
Now, according to COPE, Los Blancos are set to stage a special tribute at the Bernabeu, with Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal due to be recognised for winning the World Cup with Spain.
The trophy itself will be present at the Bernabeu tomorrow as part of the ceremony, adding extra significance to the occasion.
Cucurella to receive Real Madrid tribute
Cucurella will be honoured by Real Madrid after returning from the tournament as a world champion.
The left-back joined Madrid this summer and has quickly become one of the most high-profile additions to Jose Mourinho’s squad.
For the club, the tribute is a chance to celebrate both the achievement of one of their own players and Spain’s success on the biggest international stage.
It should also offer Cucurella a memorable Bernabeu moment early in his Madrid career.
Oyarzabal to be recognised by Real Sociedad
Mikel Oyarzabal will also be part of the celebrations, although his recognition will come from Real Sociedad.
COPE reports that both clubs will take part in honouring their respective World Cup winners, creating a shared moment before attention turns back to domestic competition.
Oyarzabal was one of Spain’s key figures during the tournament and remains one of Real Sociedad’s most important players.
For supporters inside the Bernabeu, it will be a rare opportunity to see the World Cup up close while celebrating two players who helped Spain lift it.
While most of the attention in the Bernabeu will understandably be on Cucurella, the fans should also take the opportunity to honour Oyarzabal.
Cucurella has arrived at the club not only as a major signing for the Mourinho era but as a world champion, and he is yet to get started properly in his Los Blancos career.
Tomorrow would give him the opportunity to receive the love that the Bernabeu gives him and use it as motivation to continue having memorable nights at the stadium in the seasons to come.
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.
