Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad boss impressed by Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid: ‘You can clearly see a different structure’
Real Sociedad are set to visit the Spanish capital tomorrow to take on Real Madrid in what will be Jose Mourinho’s second La Liga game this season.
Los Blancos secured a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their opening encounter and will hope to keep the momentum against the Basque club.
In the pre-match press conference, Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo praised the early impact of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Speaking ahead of the Basque club’s visit, as quoted by AS, Matarazzo was asked for his assessment of the “new Real Madrid”.
Matarazzo sees a more organised Madrid
The Sociedad manager made it clear that he already sees a very different team with a distinct identity under Jose.
“It is very clear that they are a top team with several new signings, impressive signings and a new coach,” Matarazzo said.
The Sociedad boss then pointed to the structural changes Mourinho has introduced.
“With the new coach, you can clearly see a different structure, whether in the pressing, where they are more organised, or in their counter-pressing, where you can see a different intensity compared to recent seasons,” he explained.
This is an assessment that would make Mourinho happy, as he has repeatedly reiterated the need for intensity and physical preparation since his return to the club.
Clear ideas in attack
The praise was not limited to Madrid’s work without the ball.
“In attack you can also see clarity in what they want,” Matarazzo added.
That is particularly relevant given how much attention has surrounded Mourinho’s attempts to fit Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande into the same attacking structure.
The 4-2-3-1 has increasingly looked like the base system, with Madrid trying to create clearer roles around those attacking stars.
Diomande may not yet be starting games for Los Blancos, but it will not be long before Jose has to find a way to field all four attacking superstars in the same XI.
Sociedad still believe in themselves
Matarazzo nevertheless made clear that Sociedad are not travelling to Madrid simply to contain Mourinho’s side.
“Of course, it is a challenge for us, but at the same time we believe in our quality, in our strengths, and we approach the game with that conviction,” he concluded.
The Basque club have consistently been capable of troubling top teams in Spain in recent seasons, and Matarazzo will want to do the same at the Bernabeu tomorrow.
For Real Madrid, the focus has to be on putting in a more convincing performance against Sociedad than they did against Espanyol.
If they do that and manage to get the three points, that will represent a step in a positive direction, and it remains to be seen how Jose Mourinho sets his team up for the game.
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.
