Bellingham heads Real Madrid into early lead on Mourinho’s return

Jude Bellingham scored Real Madrid’s first official goal of the season as Jose Mourinho’s side took an early lead against Espanyol in their La Liga match.

The England midfielder struck in the ninth minute of the second-round fixture, giving Real Madrid the perfect start to Mourinho’s return to the club’s technical area.

The goal also carried added significance because it was the first official effort scored by Real Madrid this season. It was also the club’s opening goal in Mourinho’s first competitive appearance since returning to lead the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid’s breakthrough came from a set-piece situation. Arda Guler delivered the ball from the left after Vinicius Junior had won a foul, and Bellingham rose above the defence to direct a header into the net.

The early goal gave Real Madrid the advantage while the match was still in its opening stages, with Bellingham providing the decisive touch from Guler’s delivery.

Mourinho selected a starting XI featuring Thibaut Courtois in goal, with Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras in defence.

Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde were named in midfield, while Guler, Bellingham and Vinicius Junior supported the attacking line. Kylian Mbappe was also included in the starting team.

The fixture is being played as part of the second round of La Liga, with Real Madrid seeking to begin their official campaign under Mourinho with a positive result.

For Bellingham, the goal represented an immediate contribution in a match carrying particular attention because of the change in leadership at Real Madrid. His header not only put his side in front but also opened the club’s scoring account for the new season.

Mourinho’s return has brought a high-profile new chapter for Real Madrid, and Bellingham’s early finish supplied the first major moment of his second spell in charge. The Portuguese manager’s team moved ahead through a combination of Guler’s set-piece delivery, Vinicius Junior’s work to win the foul and Bellingham’s movement and aerial finish.

With the match still in progress, Real Madrid held the lead through Bellingham’s ninth-minute header.