Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 in Mourinho's return

Real Madrid began their LaLiga campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol on Saturday, August 22, 2026, securing the win in the 90th minute through substitute Carlos Espi. The result marked a successful start to Jose Mourinho's second spell in charge of the club, 13 years after his first tenure ended.

Jude Bellingham gave the visitors an early lead at the RCDE Stadium, heading home a free kick from Arda Guler in the ninth minute. However, Espanyol equalized in the 30th minute when Alex Calatrava slotted home a cross from Javi Hernandez. The hosts then defended resolutely, frustrating Madrid for much of the match until the final moments.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw, new signing Espi pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area after a run by Kylian Mbappe and fired into an empty net to secure all three points. The goal was Espi's first for the club since his summer transfer from Levante.

Mourinho, who returned to the club this summer after a turbulent and trophyless 2025-26 season, acknowledged his team's physical disadvantage. Several key players, including Bellingham, Mbappe, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, had participated in the recent World Cup and were...