Mourinho expects Real Madrid to face an immediate test at Espanyol

Jose Mourinho has warned Real Madrid that they could be in trouble from the opening minute of Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Espanyol if they fail to understand the importance of facing his side.

Espanyol go into the second-round fixture with a psychological advantage after beating Levante 3-0 in their opening match, while Real Madrid have yet to collect a point. Mourinho said the result and performance showed that Espanyol had made an excellent start to the season and would approach the game with confidence.

Speaking to Spanish radio station El Chiringuito on Wednesday, the Real Madrid manager said: “Espanyol have three points more than us. They started very well by beating Levante 3-0, they played well and won calmly.”

Mourinho believes his players must recognise the special motivation opponents bring when they face Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach said failing to account for that attitude would leave his team exposed immediately.

“I always say that we, Madrid, must always think about what it means for other teams to play against Real Madrid,” he said. “If we do not think about that, and if we do not take it into consideration, we have a problem from the first minute.”

The match will be played at Espanyol’s stadium, where Mourinho wants his players to arrive fully aware that every point could prove important.

“We have to go there with this awareness, we have to go there knowing that every point is important,” he added. “But I am not afraid. I am not afraid because the players are giving me signs that they want to do things well, seriously and with ambition.”

Mourinho also expressed satisfaction with the squad assembled at Real Madrid. He said the team had been built following extensive analysis and communication, with players capable of operating in a variety of positions.

The manager also reflected on his return to the Spanish club, describing Real Madrid as the highest point in a coach’s professional career. He made clear that his priority this time was to achieve success for Real Madrid rather than to advance his own personal reputation.

Mourinho further stressed that his return should not be interpreted as a plan to impose an excessively strict disciplinary regime. Instead, he said, the team would be guided by “common sense”.

Real Madrid’s visit to Espanyol will therefore provide an early test of how quickly Mourinho’s squad can respond under pressure. Espanyol’s opening-day victory has given them momentum, while Real must turn their manager’s warning into a focused performance if they are to begin collecting points.