Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran could play vs Real Sociedad after productive talks with Arbeloa
One of the major talking points so far in Alvaro Arbeloa’s reign as Real Madrid manager has been the situation of captain Dani Carvajal.
Since returning from injury in early January, the 34-year-old club captain has barely seen any minutes on the field. Indeed, Over the past month, the right-back has played only 27 minutes of football across two games – against Albacete and AS Monaco.
Last weekend, against Valencia, manager Arbeloa opted to use youngster David Jimenez as a starter at right-back and chose to bring on Trent Alexander-Arnold as a substitute, even though the latter had only returned form injury.
The situation left Carvajal angry and upset, especially considering that this is a contract year for him, while his spot in the Spain squad for the World Cup is also on the line.
Carvajal could get some minutes vs Real Sociedad
Now, according to MARCA, Carvajal could finally get a chance to play when Real Madrid take on Real Sociedad on Saturday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As reported earlier in the week, the veteran defender had a candid chat with the manager to discuss his situation and lack of minutes.
Now, it is being claimed that the result of those discussions was positive and productive, and it could lead to Carvajal getting some minutes against La Real this weekend.
If it happens, it will be the club captain’s first La Liga appearance under the management of Arbeloa.
So far this season, Carvajal has only played ten times in all competitions, clocking 470 minutes of action in total.
Given his recurring fitness issues, question marks linger over his future at Real Madrid, with his contract expiring on 30 June. As such, the veteran campaigner will hope to make the most of any chance he gets to play, starting from this weekend against Real Sociedad.
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.
