José Mourinho’s return to the Real Madrid dugout after 4,380 days ended in dramatic fashion as substitute Carlos Espí fired a 90th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory at Espanyol. The late strike prevented an opening-day slip for Los Blancos and handed Mourinho a winning start to his second stint in charge.
Match narrative
The contest burst into life early when Jude Bellingham nodded Real Madrid ahead after just nine minutes. The England midfielder converted an inswinging free kick from Arda Güler, awarded after Vinícius Júnior had been brought down by Álex Calatrava.
Espanyol refused to buckle. Thibaut Courtois produced a smart save to deny Clemens Riedel before the hosts levelled before half-time. Calatrava atoned for his earlier foul by finishing a fluid move involving Tyrhys Dolan and Javi Hernández, beating Courtois to make it 1-1.
The second half saw Kylian Mbappé twice test Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dimitrovic, while Federico Valverde rattled the woodwork. Espanyol’s resistance appeared set to earn a point until Espí, a former Levante forward introduced from the bench, pounced on a loose ball inside the box to settle the match in the final minute of normal time.
Tactical approach
Mourinho named an attacking line-up featuring Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham from the start, addressing questions about how the high-profile trio might function together. The Portuguese later suggested that international coaches had already demonstrated the compatibility of the three players, noting that Bellingham operates most effectively closer to goal rather than in deeper midfield areas.
The manager also utilised his bench extensively, introducing record signing Yan Diomande alongside Marc Cucurella, Eduardo Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold as the match wore on. Espí proved the decisive change, snatching victory with his clinical finish.
Manager’s assessment
Speaking afterwards, Mourinho acknowledged that his side merited the three points but conceded that Espanyol did not deserve defeat. He also emphasised that commitment remains non-negotiable within his squad, framing it as a fundamental standard for the campaign ahead.
What comes next
Real Madrid will look to build on this hard-fought opener when they host Real Sociedad in their next La Liga fixture. Espanyol, meanwhile, face the same opponents shortly after, giving Manolo González’s side an immediate opportunity to bounce back from the narrow loss.