Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s new signing finally set for first start in Real Sociedad clash – report
Real Madrid are expected to give Marc Cucurella his first start at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, with the summer signing in line to be the only alteration to Jose Mourinho’s starting XI against Real Sociedad.
According to AS, Mourinho is not planning a major overhaul for Real Madrid’s first home match of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
Instead, the Portuguese coach is expected to keep faith with a side close to his strongest available lineup, with Cucurella’s introduction at left-back standing out as the key change.
The match could therefore offer the Bernabeu faithful their first proper look at one of the club’s notable summer arrivals from the opening whistle.
Cucurella set for Real Madrid debut
Cucurella has already had his first taste of action in a Real Madrid shirt, coming off the bench against Espanyol, but Wednesday’s clash against Real Sociedad is expected to mark his first start.
The Spaniard was signed before the World Cup and now looks ready to take a more prominent role in Mourinho’s plans.
AS reports that the left-back is expected to be introduced into an otherwise largely unchanged team.
With another La Liga fixture against Malaga coming up next Sunday, Mourinho may opt to make further adjustments later in the week.
For the visit of Real Sociedad, though, the priority appears to be continuity rather than rotation.
Santiago Bernabeu to honour World Cup champions
Cucurella’s first start will come on a special occasion for the player following his success with the Spanish national team at the World Cup.
As reported before, Real Madrid are planning to pay tribute to the left-back at the Santiago Bernabeu, recognising his role in Spain’s triumph.
Cucurella was an important figure throughout the tournament and started every match as the national team lifted the trophy.
The occasion will also have significance for Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who will return to Madrid as a World Cup champion and is also expected to receive recognition.
For Cucurella, though, the evening could bring a different kind of milestone.
The defender will have the opportunity to combine a celebration of his international success with his first start for one of the biggest clubs in world football.
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.
