Mourinho Wins His Debut with Real Madrid Against Espanyol

Real Madrid, under José Mourinho, opened the season with a 2-1 win over Espanyol. The decisive goal came from Carlos Espí, who came on at minute 79 and scored 11 minutes later, while the team also featured a strong performance from Jude Bellingham and Marko Dmitrovic’s defense.

First Match of the Season

Real Madrid opened the campaign with a 2-1 win over Espanyol on Saturday. The victory came in the final minutes, when Carlos Espí, 21, came on at minute 79 and scored 11 minutes later, capitalising on a play where Kylian Mbappé lost the ball and his shot was beaten by Marko Dmitrovic.

Goal Details and Match Summary

Espí’s goal came after Mbappé was dispossessed. Jude Bellingham headed a free-kick at the ninth minute and was close to scoring at the start of the second half, but Dmitrovic deflected his header with the tip of his fingers to the crossbar. Alex Calatrava equalised for Espanyol at the 30th minute, clearing the ball and sending it past Thibaut Courtois for his first La Liga goal.

Mourinho and Club Context

José Mourinho was hired in June and officially took charge in July, at the start of pre-season. He returns for a second stint with Madrid, 13 years after leaving the club. He managed from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga once and the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid and the defending champions Barcelona missed the first weekend because some players returned late after the World Cup.