Mourinho: Carlos Espi thriving at Real Madrid after dramatic Espanyol victory

Jose Mourinho praised young striker Carlos Espi after the forward helped Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory over Espanyol with a late winning goal on Saturday.

The result gave Real Madrid their first three points of the La Liga season, having missed the opening round of the competition because several members of their squad had been involved in the later stages of the World Cup.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Mourinho highlighted Espi’s personality as well as his footballing ability, revealing that the pair share life at the club’s training base in Valdebebas.

“Carlos Espi is a very funny boy. We live together in Valdebebas and have breakfast, lunch and dinner together. Me, my staff, him and Cucurella. He is a very funny person,” Mourinho said.

The manager also described the circumstances surrounding Espi’s arrival at Real Madrid, explaining that the club began considering the young forward after learning that Gonzalo might move to Fulham.

“When we learned about the possibility of Gonzalo moving to Fulham, Calafat put some names on the table and we discussed their technical characteristics,” Mourinho said.

“After a detailed analysis, we are very happy to have him with us. We needed a player with his qualities in matches like this.”

Espi’s decisive contribution came in the closing stages against Espanyol, when he scored the goal that secured Real Madrid’s delayed start to their league campaign. Mourinho said the striker had also impressed earlier in the match with an intelligent piece of play involving Kylian Mbappe.

“Carlos had a great footballing moment with his back to goal, setting the ball up for Kylian to be through on goal. He is an excellent player,” Mourinho added.

The Portuguese manager said Espi’s rapid rise had given him a memorable introduction to life at one of football’s biggest clubs. He suggested the striker was enjoying the occasion but remained focused on the demands of his work.

“Imagine that tomorrow is Carlos’ presentation ceremony, and what a way for him to be presented in front of the president and his family,” Mourinho said.

“He is living a dream, but he does not work as if he is living on another planet. He works extremely hard.”

Espi’s late intervention ensured Real Madrid began their league campaign with a victory after their absence from the opening round. Their 2-1 success over Espanyol provided the club with a first return of three points in the competition this season, while Mourinho’s comments underlined the confidence growing around the young forward.

The manager’s remarks also offered an insight into Espi’s unusual routine at Valdebebas, where he is spending time alongside Mourinho, members of the coaching staff and Cucurella while adapting to his new surroundings.