Real Madrid News
VAR official from Real Madrid’s win vs Sociedad to be sidelined over red card controversy – report
There was a moment of major controversy during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Saturday.
A little after the half-hour mark, Dean Huijsen was shown a direct red card by referee Jesus Gil Manzano for what he deemed to be a last-man challenge on Mikel Oyarzabal.
However, Eder Militao was only a few metres away from the player and was in a position to cover while Oyarzabal himself did not have the ball fully under his control.
As such, Real Madrid players and manager Xabi Alonso were outraged by the red card decision. The fact that the referee was not asked to go to the pitchside monitor to review the incident only made the situation more bizarre.
CTA to admit mistake
Now, though, according to MARCA, the Referees’ Technical Committee (CTA) will explain the Huijsen red card incident during the week, and there will be consequences in the form of a break for the VAR official, Figueroa Vazquez, for not calling Gil Manzano to the monitor.
Fran Soto, the newly appointed president of the CTA, has introduced many changes to the refereeing framework in Spain. One of his main principles, also shared by the president of the Spanish Football Federation, is that only the best referees should be on the pitch.
As part of it, referees are assessed by up to three different people for each match, who compile reports on their performance.
This starts with the referee delegate present at the stadium and ends with the CTA’s technical leadership (Fernandez Borbalan and Turienzo Alvarez). Referees receive scores, but above all, conclusions are drawn about what they do – and sometimes fail to do.
And, as per the report, What happened on Saturday at Anoeta with Huijsen’s dismissal triggered alarms within the CTA. As such, the incident will almost certainly be explained during the week, and the error will be acknowledged.
The outcome will include consequences, particularly for Figueroa Vazquez, who will be sidelined for failing, as VAR official, to intervene and call Gil Manzano to the monitor to review what has been deemed a mistake.
While it is unclear at this point, the expectation is that the referee will not be considered to be included in the rotation for at least one matchweek.
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.
