Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 in the opening of La Liga on 12 August 2024, with Carlos Espí scoring the decisive goal at the 45th minute of the second half. Brazilian forward Vinicius started after renewing his contract until 2032, while Mourinho returned to the bench after his first stint with the club.
Result and goals
Bellingham opened the score at the 9th minute of the first half with a header after an Arda Güler free-kick. At the 30th minute, Cala equalised for Espanyol, putting the match at 1-1. Real Madrid, with 20 shots (7 on target), failed to score until Espí, 21 years old and 1.94 m tall, capitalised on a Kylian Mbappé run and put the 2-1 at the 45th minute of the second half.
Players and signings
The Portuguese coach used six new signings in his debut: Carlos Espí (25 m euros from Levante), Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande (125 m euros from Marfileño, with a potential rise to 140 m if objectives are met), Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté and Bernardo Silva. Diomande, with a potential price of 140 m, could become the club’s most expensive signing ever. In the bench, Marc Cucurella made his debut at the 19th minute of the second period.
Mourinho and Vinicius comments
Mourinho, who returned to the bench after his first stint at the club, said the team tried to cover the double-pivot zone with Rodri, who preferred Barcelona’s offer for footballing reasons. Regarding Espí, the coach highlighted his fun character and the living together in Valdebebas.
Vinicius, starting after renewing his contract until 2032, was defended by Mourinho amid the controversy of a possible move to Arsenal. The coach recalled his altercation with Vinicius in the Champions League and stressed the need for a common front between manager and player to combat bullying.
Other matches of the day
On the same day, Athletic Bilbao lost 3-1 to Sevilla, Valencia and Celta drew 0-0, and Atlético Madrid will host Villarreal at the Metropolitano. The two-time champion Barcelona will visit Elche.
