Real Madrid News
Villarreal eye last-minute swoop for out-of-favour Real Madrid defender – report
Villarreal have enjoyed a solid start to the 2022/23 La Liga season with seven points in their opening three games. The Yellow Submarine are undefeated so far, recording two wins and one draw.
The focus is now to keep their momentum going. At the club, it is believed that signing a quality right-back will be a big step towards that objective, following the injury to first-choice option Juan Foyth.
According to reports from MARCA, Real Madrid outcast Alvaro Odriozola has emerged as a real option for Villarreal.
Los Blancos have the right-back position well covered with Dani Carvajal as the first choice and Lucas Vazquez as a competent backup option. With Vinicius Tobias also available, Odriozola, as it appears, is surplus.
Real Madrid have been working towards his exit for several months now, but have failed to engineer the transfer. The biggest hurdle in his departure is his high wages that clubs are not willing to cover.
Yesterday, it was reported that Real Sociedad, Odriozola’s former club, were interested in signing him back. While the option of returning home is tempting, it will not be easy for the player to turn down Villarreal, who now see him as a replacement for the injured Foyth.
Last season, the 26-year-old Odriozola played on loan at Fiorentina. In 25 league appearances, he scored one goal and provided one assist. However, he averaged just four defensive actions per game and oversaw three clean sheets.
It remains to be seen if Real Madrid cover a part of Odriozola’s salary or if the player takes a wage cut in order to secure a transfer to Villarreal. A decision will have to be made soon, given that the transfer window will close in a little over a day.
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.
