Overview
- Spain U21 demolished San Marino 13-0 and Carlos Espí scored five goals and made two assists in the match, a performance reported across multiple outlets.
- Espí became the first player in Spain Under-21 history to score five goals in a single game, a milestone recorded during the qualifier.
- Luis de la Fuente added Espí to the senior Spain squad as a replacement for Ferran Torres after Torres withdrew with a persistent ankle problem, according to the federation statement.
- Espí joined Real Madrid from Levante last summer on a contract through June 2031 but has seen only limited minutes this season, which makes his international outing a potential catalyst for more bench use under José Mourinho.
- The U21 rout left Spain two points clear at the top of their qualifying group with one match to play to secure top spot, and observers caution San Marino’s low level means the long-term implications for Espí’s role should be judged with care.