Real Madrid began their new LaLiga campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol, giving José Mourinho a winning start on his return to the Santiago Bernabéu dugout.
The game started positively for Madrid, with Jude Bellingham opening the scoring in the ninth minute. The England midfielder rose to meet Arda Güler’s cross and sent a header beyond the goalkeeper to put the visitors ahead.
Espanyol refused to sit back, however, and gradually grew into the match. Their pressure eventually paid off when Alex Calatrava found the equaliser before half-time, leaving Madrid with plenty of work to do after the break.
Madrid struggled to completely control the game in the second half. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior found it difficult to make their usual impact, while Espanyol remained dangerous whenever they moved forward.
Mourinho responded by turning to his bench, bringing on several players in an attempt to change the momentum. One of those substitutions proved decisive.
Young forward Carlos Espí became the hero in stoppage time when he reacted quickest to a loose ball and fired Madrid back in front. It was a memorable moment for the youngster, who had only recently entered the game.
The victory was far from perfect, but it gave Mourinho exactly what he wanted from his competitive return: three points.
Madrid will know there is plenty to improve, especially after allowing Espanyol back into the game. But for Mourinho, the late winner provided the perfect ending to an emotional return.
Real Madrid leave Barcelona with a 2-1 victory, three points and an early reminder that this season could be anything but ordinary.
