Carlos Espi puts Real Madrid alongside Raul in rare La Liga record

Real Madrid began Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Espanyol, as substitute Carlos Espi scored in the closing moments to secure all three points on Saturday.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw after Espanyol recovered from an early setback, but Espi struck at 89 minutes and 54 seconds to give Real Madrid a winning start to their La Liga campaign.

His goal also placed the result in the club’s history. According to statistics from MisterChip, it was only the second time Real Madrid have won their opening La Liga fixture with a goal scored from the 90th minute onwards.

The previous occasion came on 21 August 1999, when Raul Gonzalez scored in the 90th minute and three seconds to give Real Madrid victory over Mallorca in the opening match of that season.

Espi’s late intervention means Real Madrid have now matched that unusual feat more than two decades later, although the circumstances of Saturday’s game had looked very different during the opening stages.

Real Madrid took the lead after only nine minutes through Jude Bellingham. The England midfielder made an immediate impact in the first match of Mourinho’s second tenure and continued the impressive form he has shown recently, particularly since the World Cup.

Espanyol responded strongly rather than allowing the early goal to dictate the contest. Their pressure was rewarded in the 30th minute when Alex Calatrava took advantage of confusion in the Real Madrid defence to level the score.

The equaliser brought the home side back into the game and made life increasingly difficult for the visitors. Real Madrid were unable to restore their advantage before the final stages, with the contest remaining level as the end of normal time approached.

Then Espi decided the match. The substitute found the decisive goal with only seconds remaining, turning what had looked likely to be a 1-1 draw into a valuable opening-day victory for Real Madrid.

The statistical record highlighted the significance of the moment:

ESP 1-2 RMA (FT) – Gol de Carlos Espi a los 89 minutos y 54 segundos. El Real Madrid gana un partido en la primera jornada de La Liga gracias a un gol anotado del minuto 90 en adelante por SEGUNDA VEZ en TODA su historia. Lo hizo tambien el 21 de agosto de 1999, en Mallorca,…pic.twitter.com/lraKjCH1Gb

The result gives Real Madrid three points at the start of their league campaign and provides Mourinho with an immediate win on his return to the club. It also ensures that Espi’s name will be linked with Raul’s in the record books after his decisive contribution at Espanyol.