Real Madrid edge Espanyol 2-1 as Espí seals dramatic Mourinho return 

Sports

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Real Madrid began the 2026/27 La Liga campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Espanyol, as Carlos Espí struck in the 90th minute to give José Mourinho a winning start on his return to the club. 

The victory at the RCDE Stadium marked Mourinho’s first competitive match back in charge of Real Madrid after 13 years and rescued the Spanish giants from what had looked increasingly likely to be a frustrating draw.  

Madrid made a bright start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Jude Bellingham headed home an Arda Güler free-kick. 

Espanyol responded strongly and levelled in the 30th minute through Álex Calatrava, who finished after receiving a cut-back from Javi Hernández. 

The hosts continued to frustrate Madrid, while goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović produced important saves to keep his side in contention. He denied Madrid further goals, including a second effort from Bellingham early in the second half. 

Madrid continued to press for a winner, with Federico Valverde going close in the 77th minute when his effort struck the post. 

Mourinho responded with a series of substitutions as he sought to break the deadlock, eventually introducing Carlos Espí, who had joined Real Madrid from Levante during the summer.  

The decision paid off in the 90th minute. 

Kylian Mbappé drove into the penalty area before the ball fell loose, allowing Espí to react quickly, move the ball onto his right foot and fire past Dmitrović to complete a dramatic victory for the visitors. 

The goal capped an impressive debut for Espí and gave Mourinho three points in his first La Liga match since returning to the Santiago Bernabéu. 

Although Real Madrid dominated periods of the encounter, Espanyol showed resilience and remained competitive throughout, forcing Mourinho’s side to work until the final moments for the victory. 

The result gives Madrid an early boost as Mourinho begins his second spell at the club, while Espí’s late intervention provides the team with an immediate reminder of the value of squad depth. 

For Mourinho, however, the opening victory also highlighted areas requiring improvement as Real Madrid seek to challenge for the La Liga title. The performance was not entirely convincing, but the late winner ensured that the new era began with maximum points.