Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s possible opponents in the Copa del Rey Round of 16
Real Madrid remain alive in the Copa del Rey, but their narrow 3-2 victory over Talavera in the round of 32 served as a sharp reminder that this competition rarely offers comfortable nights.
The result was enough to secure qualification, yet it also highlighted how unforgiving knockout football can be, especially when playing away from home against a motivated opponent.
With Talavera now behind them, Real Madrid’s attention has firmly shifted to the next stage of the tournament.
Notably, the draw for the round of 16 will take place on January 7, 2026.
Possible opponents
As reported by Defensa Central, the pool of possible opponents presents a wide spectrum of challenges.
Real Madrid could be drawn against established La Liga sides such as Valencia, Real Sociedad, Elche, Osasuna, Alaves, or Atlético Madrid.
Each of those teams brings a different tactical problem, with some offering physical intensity and others focusing on possession and structure.
Alternatively, Los Blancos could face a Segunda Division team, with Deportivo La Coruna, Cultural Leonesa, Racing Santander, and Albacete all still dreaming of a giant-killing moment.
There are also clear limitations built into the draw. Real Madrid cannot face Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.
Athletic Club are also excluded for now due to their involvement with Real Madrid in the upcoming Spanish Super Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia during the second week of January 2026.
While these restrictions reduce the number of potential high-profile clashes in the short term, they do not eliminate them altogether.
Another important factor lies in the location of the next match. The Copa del Rey rule that favours the lower-ranked team’s stadium will continue to apply in the round of 16.
This means Real Madrid could once again find themselves playing in a hostile atmosphere, regardless of the opponent’s league status.
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.
