Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s plan to tackle demanding schedule for the 2024/25 season
Real Madrid enjoyed great success last season, but the campaign took a heavy toll, resulting in several injuries.
Now, as they enter the new campaign, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad faces the longest and most demanding season in football history. Last season, the team played 59 games, but this year they could play up to 75 matches if they reach all the finals.
Indeed, the Merengues face a season with seven titles up for grabs, potentially culminating on July 13, 2025, with the final of the new FIFA Club World Cup.
Real Madrid’s plan for the upcoming campaign
According to MARCA, ensuring proper rest to players has been vital, with players given at least three weeks off, though there were exceptions like Endrick and Arda Guler.
The upcoming European Super Cup against Atalanta on August 14 is a key early fixture, with Ancelotti aiming to equal Miguel Munoz as the most successful Real Madrid coach.
It was decided that the international players who advance to the semifinals of the Copa America or the UEFA Euro 2024 would not take part in the US tour.
Instead, they would begin preseason on August 7 at Valdebebas, which is just one week before the Super Cup.
They might still play in the final, though, because the team has put in place a special program that begins 15 days prior to their arrival. This guarantees that when they return to the Spanish capital, they are at their peak physical condition.
Opening up about the gruelling season that awaits, Ancelotti said: “I’m not worried. We have a spectacular squad in all positions. Mbappe has joined, he’s a fantastic player.
“We don’t have much time to prepare for the first games, but the players will come back in good shape.”
Despite concerns about injuries, Ancelotti expressed hope for a long season because it would mean Real Madrid are competing in all tournaments. He did, however, emphasize the importance of individual rest to avoid player fatigue.
“Hopefully it will be long, it means that we will be in all competitions. That’s what we want when a season starts. We have to think about taking individual rest. This could be a new idea so as not to exhaust the players,” he said.
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.
