Real Madrid News
RFEF reject Real Madrid demand to change referee in Copa del Rey final
There have been interesting developments on the Copa del Rey final front in recent hours, especially with respect to Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are scheduled to take on Barcelona tomorrow night in Seville and the game was always going to be a complicated one. Real Madrid TV’s decision to telecast videos of the appointed referees’ errors once more, however, created controversy.
Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea was scheduled to be the referee for tomorrow’s game and the official had a breakdown in the referees’ pre-game press conference earlier today.
VAR main Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes also commented against RMTV videos, suggesting that there may be consequences for the same.
In view of the development, Real Madrid immediately requested for a change in official fearing that he may be biased against Los Blancos after the latest developments.
Appeal rejected
As relayed by COPE now, the RFEF have categorically denied Real Madrid’s request and cite it to be unfeasible to change the referee at this nth minute.
The Clasico tomorrow night will thus be officiated by Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea as the main referee and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes as the head of VAR.
Los Blancos have no one but themsleves to blame for the situation they are in, for Real Madrid TV’s repeated continuation of the same action despite scathing criticism can be classified as unnecessary.
It is true that the refereeing in La Liga has not quite been up to the mark this season, primarily in terms of consistency of decisions across games. Real Madrid, in particular, have suffered heavily for the same.
Now, more than ever, it is important for the Merengues to put all external factors aside and focus on playing a perfect game against Barcelona tomorrow night.
The last two Clasicos saw the men in white outclassed and they will have to pull their socks up if they are to get anything against Barcelona in the final. After all, it is their most realistic chance of winning a trophy this season.
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.
