Real Madrid players celebrate their second goal scored by Real Madrid’s Spanish forward #19 Carlos Espi Escrihuela during the Spanish league football match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid CF at RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP)
Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge of Real Madrid began with a last-gasp 2-1 victory at Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, with substitute Carlos Espi pouncing in the 90th minute to grab the winner.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in Los Blancos’ opening fixture of the season, and new signing Espi secured the points at the death after Alex Calatrava had levelled against Mourinho’s star-studded team.
Back in charge of Madrid 13 years after leaving, Portuguese veteran Mourinho must bring the dressing room under control after the chaos of last season, and end Spanish champions Barcelona’s domestic dominance.
Mourinho started with superstars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Bellingham, as well as handing debuts to Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate.
