Thibaut Courtois reveals nickname for Carlos Espi after Real Madrid win

Thibaut Courtois revealed a new nickname for Real Madrid summer signing Carlos Espi just days after the Belgian shot-stopper featured in the Blancos' La Liga opener. Speaking to the media post-match on Saturday, Courtois likened the 21-year-old forward to former Real striker Joselu, explaining: "I call Carlos Espi: Joselu Junior!" The nickname comes fresh off a night to remember for Espi, who introduced off the bench for his Blancos debut and notched a last-gasp winner, showcasing impressive goalscoring instincts to break free and slot home inside the Espanyol penalty area in Saturday's 2-1 result.

What did Courtois say about Rodri choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid?

Courtois didn't mince words when asked about Rodri Hernández deciding to sign for FC Barcelona over Los Blancos this summer. The Belgian goalkeeper talked to the press immediately after Madrid's victory over Espanyol. "Every player chooses where they want to be. If he hasn't wanted to be with us, well, that's a pity for him. At the end of the day, he's a great player, but he's made his choice and that's that," said Courtois. The 33-year-old was also asked about Espanyol's tweet wondering why Vinicius wasn't shown his second yellow card late in the game. "I'd love to see all the tweets the teams make against us when they play against other teams. If we're talking about this rule, Cala should've been sent off earlier; the kick to the back, the yellow with Vini, the first foul in the second half on Carreras that, if he didn't have a yellow, the ref would've given him a yellow one hundred percent. First, you gotta look in the mirror and see what's happening in a game with your players," he added.

How did Real Madrid secure the win against Espanyol?

Real Madrid kicked their La Liga campaign into gear yesterday evening, making the trip to the RCDE Stadium for a meeting with Espanyol. When all was said and done, the visitors emerged on the right side of a 2-1 result, to get the new José Mourinho era up-and-running in positive fashion. And it was the aforementioned Espi who proved himself the star of the show, introduced off the bench for his Blancos debut and notching a last-gasp winner to break the deadlock.

What is the significance of Courtois's comments on Rodri?

Courtois's remarks come as Real Madrid navigate a summer reshuffle, with Rodri Hernández opting for a move to FC Barcelona instead of the Spanish capital. The Belgian shot-stopper acknowledged the midfielder's quality but stood by the club's position, stating that every player chooses their destination and that Madrid respects that decision while feeling a sense of regret for the player's choice.

• Courtois revealed the nickname "Joselu Junior" for new Real Madrid teammate Carlos Espi after Espi's debut goal against Espanyol.
• Courtois commented on Rodri Hernández's decision to join Barcelona, calling it "a pity for him" while respecting the player's choice.
• Real Madrid won their La Liga opener 2-1 at RCDE Stadium, with Espi scoring the winning goal on his debut.
• The match took place on Saturday, marking the start of the new José Mourinho era at Real Madrid with a positive result.