Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s six possible opponents in the Copa del Rey Round of 32
The time has come for Real Madrid enter the 2025/26 Copa del Rey.
After being exempt from the first two rounds, like the other three Spanish Super participants – Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, and Barcelona, Xabi Alonso’s team will start their journey in the knockout competition in the Round of 32.
The Merengues will discover their opponent this Tuesday, 9 December, in the draw held at the Ciudad del Futbol in Las Rozas.
Possible opponents for Real Madrid
As always, the Copa del Rey draw will pair lower division teams with higher division teams, starting with the four Spanish Super Cup participants.
Real Madrid will thus face one of the six teams left from the RFEF Primera and RFEF Segunda Division.
The six teams who could be drawn against Xabi Alonso & co. in the Round of 32 are: Ourense, Atletico Baleares, Guadalajara, Eldense, CF Talavera, and Real Murcia.
The first ball drawn will be Ourense who, despite competing in Primera Division, have priority in the draw as they were one of the Copa Federacion semi finalists and eventual champions.
The second ball drawn will be Atletico Baleares, the only Segunda Division side still alive in the competition.
If neither of the two is paired with Real Madrid, Los Blancos could face Guadalajara, Eldense, Talavera or Real Murcia, the other four Primera Division teams still in the tournament.
With the exception of Real Murcia, for the other five clubs it would be the first time in their history that they face Real Madrid in an official match.
The matches for the Copa del Rey Round of 32 will be one-legged fixtures set to be played between 16 December and 18 December.
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.
