Real Madrid News
RFEF president confirms referees for Copa del Rey final won’t be changed amid Real Madrid complaint
A while ago, Real Madrid issued an official statement lashing out against the comments made by referees Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes and asked the RFEF to take action against the pair.
Real Madrid have been pushing for the Spanish Football Federation to replace the match officials for tomorrow’s Copa del Rey final following their comments earlier in the press conference.
In fact, Los Blancos cancelled their press conference, training, and other official pre-match events today in protest and are even said to be considering walking away from the final.
RFEF President shuts down talk of referee change
However, now, RFEF president Rafael Louzan has come out and offered an update, stating that there will be no change of referees and that the final in Seville will go ahead as planned.
“The CTA [Technical Committee of Referees] has appointed a refereeing team, and that’s the way it is,” said Louzan (h/t SPORT).
“I appeal for calm, responsibility, and common sense. I’ve already spoken with Real Madrid.” he added.
On being asked if the final will go ahead according to plan, Louzan replied: “Of course, yes.”
It now remains to be seen how Real Madrid respond to the situation and whether they are willing to play the game or opt to walk away.
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.
