Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starlet trains normally with group after picking up knock against Valencia
Real Madrid broke the Mestalla curse last weekend as they romped to a 2-0 win over Valencia at the tricky venue with Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe getting on the scoresheet.
On the night, talented youngster Franco Mastantuono started on the bench and only stepped onto the field for the final eight minutes of regulation time, and played a rather uneventful part.
Yet, he left the game with discomfort as he picked up a knock during his short time on the field – a development that placed his participation in the team’s next league game in doubt.
Back in training
Now, as confirmed by Melchor Ruiz, Mastantuono joined the team for group training earlier today and did not show any signs of discomfort or pain. He trained normally, giving the manager’s plans a massive boost.
Real Madrid were optimistic about Mastantuono’s availability against Real Sociedad and expected the player to return given that it was only a minor blow to his thigh.
Having the teenager back in training, however, is confirmation and assurance that he will be available to be called up by Arbeloa.
So far, the Argentine star has been one of the most benefited parties by Arbeloa’s arrival for the new coach seemingly has a clear preference for his profile on the right wing.
He started and scored in Arbeloa’s first game as the first-team manager and started all of the team’s next five games after that point. The Valencia clash was his first start on the bench under Arbeloa, and he ironically faced an injury off the bench.
With the player expected to be back to complete fitness, it remains to be seen if the coach immediately integrates the protege back to his starting XI or opts for caution instead.
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.
