Real Madrid survive Espanyol scare as late Carlos Espe strike seals victory

Real Madrid were forced to wait until the 90th minute to secure a 2-1 win at Espanyol in their opening La Liga match, with substitute Carlos Espe scoring the decisive goal after an uneven performance from several of their leading players.

Jude Bellingham had put the visitors ahead in the ninth minute, but Calatrava levelled for the hosts midway through the first half. Espanyol then threatened to hold on for a valuable point before Espe, introduced from the bench, made an immediate impact and gave Jose Mourinho three important points.

Mundo Deportivo’s assessment of the Real Madrid players highlighted a mixed display, with Arda Guler among the strongest performers despite being taken off to allow Diomande to enter the game. Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, struggled to influence proceedings, particularly during the opening half.

Defensive display

Thibaut Courtois was described as alert despite conceding. He could do little to prevent Espanyol’s equaliser but dealt reliably with the balls that entered his penalty area.

Denzel Dumfries made his first competitive start for Real Madrid and was judged to have had a positive presence. The Netherlands international was considered to have outperformed Trent and offered an attacking threat, although he could have done more in the build-up to Espanyol’s goal.

Ibrahima Konate also made his debut for the club. The centre-back completed the match with a serious and disciplined performance.

Dean Huijsen kept his defensive work straightforward, avoiding unnecessary complications. That was viewed as a positive sign both for the player and for Real Madrid.

Carreras made sound decisions when defending, but contributed very little in attack.

Federico Valverde was used by Mourinho as the holding midfielder, a role that does not suit the Uruguay international. His lack of influence was clear, and Real Madrid lost the forward runs he can usually provide from deeper positions.

Bernardo Silva operated as the team’s creative midfielder and tried to make an impact, but it was apparent that the position was not his natural one.

Guler withdrawn as Vinicius struggles

Guler, deployed on the right, was one of Real Madrid’s best players and supplied the cross from which Bellingham opened the scoring. Mourinho nevertheless chose to sacrifice the Turkey international in order to bring on Diomande.

Bellingham’s inclusion in the starting line-up had been a surprise because he had completed relatively few training sessions. The England midfielder justified that decision by scoring the opening goal and coming close to adding another. He continued until his physical energy ran out.

Vinicius endured a difficult first match of the season. His problems were particularly visible before half-time, and his overall performance was considered modest.

Kylian Mbappe worked hard to find a way through but was unable to score. He finished the match operating behind the main striker.

Diomande came on during the final stages and looked hesitant on the right. Rather than attempting individual actions, he appeared more focused on finding a team-mate with a pass.

Marc Cucurella returned to La Liga after five years and entered late in the game. His performance was solid, but not especially influential.

Trent found himself behind Dumfries in Mourinho’s thinking. The Englishman, who had been expected to be the alternative at right-back, therefore began the match on the bench.

Eduardo Camavinga was introduced to add strength and freshness to the midfield.

Espe came on in the 80th minute and produced the defining moment 10 minutes later, scoring the goal that enabled Real Madrid to escape with victory and provided the late drama in their opening league fixture.