Real Madrid survive Espanyol test to give Jose Mourinho winning La Liga return

Real Madrid began their La Liga campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Espanyol, as Carlos Espi’s late goal gave Jose Mourinho a winning start in his first competitive match since returning as manager of the Spanish giants.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute at RCDE Stadium, when Espi finished into an unguarded net after a swift attack involving Yan Diomande and Kylian Mbappe. His goal settled a match that had appeared likely to end in a draw and secured three points for Mourinho’s side.

Real Madrid made the stronger start and needed only nine minutes to take the lead. Arda Guler delivered a free-kick from the left into the penalty area, where Jude Bellingham rose above the Espanyol defence to head the ball beyond goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic.

The visitors continued to look for a second goal, with Mbappe testing Dmitrovic with a curling effort. However, Espanyol produced a composed response and levelled in the 30th minute.

Xavi Hernandez sent a cross towards the near post, where Alex Calatrava met the ball first time and directed it past Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-1.

There was no shortage of physical challenges before half-time, with the intensity increasing as both sides battled for control. Real Madrid created further opportunities to regain the lead, but Dmitrovic denied Mbappe with a save using his foot.

The first half ended level, leaving Mourinho’s team to continue their search for a breakthrough after the interval.

Real Madrid maintained possession and applied sustained pressure in the second half. Bellingham came close to scoring his second when he met a powerful header, only for Dmitrovic to intervene at the crucial moment. Mbappe also missed another opportunity as the visitors continued to threaten from set-pieces and organised attacks.

With the score still level, Mourinho turned to his substitutes in an attempt to add greater attacking energy. Yan Diomande, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eduardo Camavinga and Carlos Espi were introduced as Real Madrid sought more pace and creativity in the closing stages.

The changes gradually increased the tempo of the visitors’ play. Federico Valverde was particularly close to putting Real Madrid ahead in the 78th minute, but his shot came back off the post.

Dmitrovic continued to perform impressively for Espanyol and repeatedly kept his side in contention. With the match seemingly heading towards a share of the points, Real Madrid finally found a way through in the final minute.

Diomande used his speed on the wing before the ball reached Mbappe inside the area. Mbappe then played it across to Espi, who took advantage of confusion in the Espanyol defence and struck into an empty goal.

The goal was Espi’s first in La Liga and gave Real Madrid a 2-1 advantage.

Espanyol pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing moments, but Real Madrid’s defence held firm until the final whistle. The result gives Mourinho an ideal competitive return to La Liga and starts the club’s league campaign with an important away victory.