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15 Sep 2026 | 23.59
La Liga
PUBLICIDAD
Carlos Espí has formally presented his candidacy to gain prominence at Real Madrid under José Mourinho after scoring the winning goal with a 2-3 victory over Elche CF. One of the best Real Madrid signings at the start of this season.
The academy player emerged once again in added time to resolve a match that became complicated after half-time, becoming the most effective resource in the Madrid area at the start of the 2026-2027 season.
CARLOS ESPÍ. 🤍
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) September 15, 2026
LALIGAHighlights | LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/Y90e1oXQDw
Carlos Espí's devastating average putting pressure on José Mourinho
The attacker's numbers, at 21 years old, support his request for minutes in the offensive rotation. Espí has scored 2 crucial goals in 5 appearances in LaLiga, notably all after the 80th minute. His first crucial goal came in Cornellà against RCD Espanyol to secure victory in the final stages, and at the Martínez Valero, he needed just 4 minutes after replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 86th minute to convert a Kylian Mbappé assist.
With two goals scored after the 90th minute, the Valencia player is the only one in the competition to have secured two victories for Real Madrid in added time this season. His ability to occupy the opposing center-backs and score on second chances presents a pure striker profile that no other member of the white attack possesses.
The dilemma in Real Madrid's forward line ahead of the derby
The young striker's performance contrasts with Vinícius Júnior's lack of accuracy in Elche, where the Brazilian missed 3 clear chances against Matías Dituro. Although José Mourinho fielded up to 5 attackers —including Mbappé, Vinícius, Diomande, Endrick, and Espí— to seek a miracle in the final minutes, the academy graduate's effectiveness sparks a debate on whether he deserves starting opportunities or more playing time.
Espí himself praised Jude Bellingham's setup and Mbappé's pass in the 2-3 win, showing a maturity appreciated by the coaching staff. The sports management believes his direct impact on the scoreline is pressuring the Portuguese coach to rethink the forward hierarchy for upcoming demanding fixtures.
Real Madrid's coaching staff will evaluate attacking options throughout the week before facing the Madrid derby next weekend. Real Madrid will visit the Estadio Metropolitano on Sunday, September 20, 2026, where Carlos Espí anticipates José Mourinho's confirmation for a more significant role within the team.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Carlos Espí pide paso en el Real Madrid