Jon Martin of Real Sociedad
Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images
Jon Martin is preparing for another demanding visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Real Sociedad centre-back fully aware of the attacking quality Real Madrid can throw at him.
The 20-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most talented young Spanish central defenders in La Liga.
He had an excellent 2025-26 season that caught everyone’s attention and will be hoping to build on it for the Basque club.
Speaking to MARCA ahead of the clash, the 20-year-old discussed Jose Mourinho’s Madrid, the challenge of defending Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, and his admiration for Carlos Espi.
Martin expects a difficult night at the Bernabeu
The Sociedad defender did not attempt to hide the challenge that awaited him and his team at the Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid are Real Madrid, one of the best teams, and they are always difficult to face, especially at home at the Bernabeu, where the matches are always special,” Martin said.
He then had some words on Jose Mourinho, the returning Madrid manager.
“I usually focus on understanding what the coach I’m facing tends to propose. I know he is obviously a legend there and he will make it a very difficult match for us,” he explained.
Jon Martin of Real Sociedad
Jon Martin is ready to take on Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Martin already knows the Bernabeu well despite his age, having visited four times across different competitions.
“The first few times you go onto a pitch like that and face a team like Madrid, it gives you a little respect. But once the match starts, all of that disappears and you focus on what happens on the pitch,” he revealed.
Carlos Espi earns praise
The defender also discussed Madrid’s summer spending and singled out Carlos Espi, whom he already knows from Spain’s youth teams and from facing him at Levante.
“I know Espi from the national youth categories and from playing against him last year. I think he is a great player and also a great person,” he said.
Espi made the headlines after scoring Madrid’s winning goal against Espanyol in their first La Liga encounter.
Despite not being a starter, the Spaniard has shown that he has the quality to change games from the bench, which is exactly what Los Blancos would want from him.
Mbappe gets the edge over Vinicius
Martin was also asked who is harder to stop between Mbappe and Vinicius.
“Both are difficult,” he said.
Jon Martin, Real Sociedad player
Jon Martin picks Mbappe as Real Madrid’s biggest threat. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“If I had to choose one, I would probably say Mbappe because he plays closer to me, more as a striker, and because of the space and his one-on-one ability,” he continued.
He also acknowledged the depth of Madrid’s attack.
“Real Madrid fight for La Liga and for every trophy, so they have to have players of that level,” he concluded.
Martin’s words are exactly what Mourinho’s team are dreaming of this season, which is bringing all possible silverware back to the Bernabeu.
Two trophyless seasons at Madrid are almost unacceptable, and there is a reason Florentino Perez has gone all out in appointing Jose Mourinho and making all the signings this summer.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have established an era of dominance domestically in the last couple of seasons, and there is no manager better suited than Mourinho to uproot it.
It remains to be seen how Madrid play this season and whether they are able to displace Barça and reclaim the domestic honours in the coming months.
Report: 27-year-old Real Madrid star set for backup role under Mourinho; will only play in Cup matches
Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid player
Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images
It is not often easy to be the back-up shot-stopper for a club like Real Madrid, who have a first-choice keeper like Thibaut Courtois in the ranks.
The Belgium international is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and with good reason, meaning minutes for his understudy are very minimal.
Andriy Lunin has been Los Blancos’ back-up shot-stopper for quite a few seasons now and has proven himself to be reliable in the absence of Courtois.
Now, according to MARCA, the Ukrainian international is expected to stay at the Bernabeu for one more season to be Courtois’ back-up.
Courtois remains the undisputed No. 1
Courtois will remain Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper and remains one of the important figures in the dressing room.
He is expected to start La Liga and Champions League games, while Lunin could get minutes in the Copa del Rey.
Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid player
Lunin will continue to be Courtois’ replacement. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
That leaves the 27-year-old facing the familiar challenge of training hard, staying ready and making a mark in the few minutes that he is given.
Despite the difficult situation and the fact that he has the credentials to be a number one elsewhere, Lunin is expected to stay.
Copa del Rey could belong to Lunin
The Copa del Rey could therefore become very important for Lunin.
Mourinho is expected to use the competition as an opportunity to rest Courtois and give Lunin some competitive minutes at the highest level.
How far Madrid progress in the tournament will have a significant impact on the Ukrainian’s total appearances this season.
However, it certainly gives Lunin a clear incentive to make every opportunity count, especially with Courtois not getting any younger.
An important back-up for Mourinho
Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid player
Lunin will only play in cup matches. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Keeping an experienced goalkeeper of Lunin’s level is nevertheless valuable for Madrid.
The season will be long, and Mourinho needs reliable alternatives across his squad if the club are to compete on several fronts.
Lunin already understands the demands of playing for Madrid and can step into the starting line-up when required without needing time to adapt.
Courtois’ age and recent history mean injury issues cannot be ruled out with the Belgian, and Madrid need someone like Lunin to step in.
His role may not be glamorous, but he could still enjoy some very important moments.
It is good news for Jose that Lunin will be staying on as the No. 2 this season, and it remains to be seen how many minutes he gets in the coming campaign.