Real Madrid News
Talavera winger sheds light on Real Madrid’s classy gesture ahead of Copa del Rey clash
Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey trip to Talavera is already producing moments that go far beyond tactics and team selection.
Long before the first whistle, the Spanish giants have shown a side that often goes unnoticed, one rooted in respect for the competition and its smaller participants.
Ahead of the fixture, Real Madrid made a thoughtful and symbolic gesture towards their upcoming opponents.
Rather than limiting the occasion to 90 minutes of football, the club reached out directly to the Talavera squad with a simple but meaningful request.
The intention was to allow the players to choose which Real Madrid shirt they would like after the match, turning the encounter into a memory that will last far longer than the result.
A telling gesture
This detail was revealed publicly by Talavera winger Gonzalo Di Renzo, who spoke openly about the moment and the impact it had inside the dressing room.
Explaining how the gesture came about, the 29-year-old did not hide his admiration for the way Real Madrid handled the situation.
“Real Madrid sent us a list to see which player’s kit each one of us wants. It’s a great gesture,” he told DSports.
The reaction was immediate. Within the Talavera camp, the excitement was clear. “The most chosen player? It’s between Mbappe, Bellingham and Courtois,” he added.
Not the first time
This act of class is not an isolated one. Real Madrid have a recent history of showing similar respect in Copa del Rey ties against lower-league opposition.
Back in 2024, Arandina also submitted a list detailing which shirts their players hoped to receive after facing Los Blancos.
That occasion produced its own interesting hierarchy of demand, as Bellingham was once again a popular choice, with three players selecting his shirt.
Toni Kroos and Rodrygo both attracted two requests each. However, it was Luka Modric who stood out above the rest, emerging as the most requested player of all.
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.
