Real Madrid began the new LaLiga campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, but José Mourinho’s second spell in charge of the Spanish giants could hardly have received a more demanding opening test.
Jude Bellingham gave Madrid the perfect start with an early ninth-minute header, but Espanyol refused to be overwhelmed. Alex Calatrava restored parity before half-time, setting up a tense second half in which both teams had opportunities to take control. Just when the match appeared destined to finish level, substitute Carlos Espí struck in the 90th minute to give Madrid all three points.
Mourinho’s return to the Real Madrid dugout was one of the biggest stories surrounding the fixture. The Portuguese coach was back in charge of the club after 13 years, and his first competitive match immediately demanded tactical patience from a side packed with attacking talent.
Real Madrid started brightly and quickly showed their intention to control the game. Arda Güler’s quality from set pieces proved decisive in the ninth minute when the Turkey international delivered a dangerous free-kick into the Espanyol penalty area. Bellingham attacked the ball aggressively and powered a header beyond goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic to put the visitors ahead.
It was an excellent start for Bellingham, who had the responsibility of linking Madrid’s midfield and attack. The goal also underlined Güler’s importance to Mourinho’s plans, with his delivery creating the opening for one of Madrid’s most influential players.
Madrid continued to look dangerous after taking the lead. Vinicius Junior was involved in several attacking moves and frequently tried to stretch the Espanyol defence, while Kylian Mbappe’s movement created problems for the home side. However, Espanyol gradually found their confidence and began pushing Madrid deeper.
The equaliser arrived in the 30th minute after an impressive attacking sequence from the hosts. Espanyol worked the ball forward through Tyrhys Dolan before Javi Hernández supplied the final pass for Calatrava, who finished the move to make it 1-1. The goal changed the mood inside the stadium and gave Espanyol belief that they could take something from the game.
The remainder of the first half became increasingly competitive. Vinicius was involved in a heated exchange with Calatrava, with both players eventually receiving yellow cards. The Brazilian also faced chants from sections of the home crowd, adding another layer of tension to an already physical contest.
Real Madrid came out after the interval determined to regain control. The visitors created opportunities, but Dmitrovic repeatedly stood between Madrid and a second goal. Bellingham came particularly close when his header appeared destined for the net, only for the Espanyol goalkeeper to produce an important save.
Federico Valverde also came agonisingly close to restoring Madrid’s lead when his first-time effort struck the post. It was another indication that the visitors were creating enough chances to win the match, but Espanyol continued to defend stubbornly.
The match became increasingly open as the clock moved towards the final stages. Mourinho began turning to his substitutes in search of fresh energy, and one of those changes would eventually decide the contest.
Carlos Espí entered the game and immediately found himself involved in the decisive moment. In the 90th minute, Mbappe made a dangerous move into the area before the ball broke loose in a crowded penalty box. Espí reacted quickest, won his position against Dmitrovic and fired home to send the Madrid players into wild celebrations.
For the young forward, it was a dream introduction to competitive football with Real Madrid. His late strike not only secured three points but also announced his arrival on one of the biggest stages in European football.
Espanyol had little time to respond. Having fought their way back from Bellingham’s early goal and successfully frustrated Madrid for much of the second half, the hosts were ultimately punished by a moment of quality and determination in the closing minutes.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, giving Mourinho a winning start to his second era at the club. It was not a flawless performance from the visitors, but it demonstrated an important quality: the ability to keep fighting until the final moments.
Bellingham’s early header, Güler’s set-piece delivery, Valverde’s effort against the post and Dmitrovic’s excellent saves all played their part in an entertaining contest. Yet the defining moment belonged to Espí, whose 90th-minute winner turned what looked like a frustrating draw into a memorable opening-day victory.
For Mourinho, the result provides an immediate boost as he begins the task of rebuilding Real Madrid into a trophy-winning side. There are still questions surrounding the balance between Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius, and the defensive structure will need further work, but three points away from home are exactly what the new Madrid era needed.
Real Madrid leave Barcelona with a victory, confidence and an early reminder that under Mourinho, the team may never consider a match finished until the final whistle.
