Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster expected to be available vs Real Sociedad after picking up knock against Valencia
Real Madrid secured an important result on Sunday night, beating Valencia 2-0 away at Mestalla to remain within one point of La Liga leaders FC Barcelona.
The win came without the presence of some important players as the likes of Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and Eder Militao were all unavailable for the trip.
Thankfully, there were no fresh casualties to emerge for Alvaro Arbeloa & co. from the game at Mestalla, although there appears to be a slight concern with one player.
Franco Mastantuono picks up a knock
According to AS, Franco Mastantuono left Valencia with discomfort after picking up a knock during the short time he was on the field.
The Argentine prodigy started the match on the bench and came on in the 82nd minute. In his brief time on the pitch, the Argentine suffered a heavy blow to one of his thighs, which saw him leave Mestalla in pain.
The knock could put his availability for the next league match, against Real Sociedad on Saturday, at risk.
Real Madrid optimistic
However, as per the report, there is optimism within Real Madrid as far as Mastantuono’s condition and availability to face Real Sociedad is concerned.
The 18-year-old starlet is understood to have picked up a strong bruise. But the expectation is that by the time training resumes today from 11:00, the swelling will have subsided and Mastantuono will be able to train normally.
In any case, he will be examined by the medical staff and, if necessary, will undergo further tests. At Real Madrid, however, they do not believe he will have any problem being available this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It will be an important match for Mastantuono. In the previous home game, against Rayo Vallecano, the Argentine left the pitch to loud whistles from the stands.
In Valencia he was a substitute, and it remains to be seen whether Arbeloa will repeat the same setup or restore the summer signing to the starting XI.
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.
