Carlos Espi’s two-goal start strengthens Mourinho’s Real Madrid striking gamble

Carlos Espi has made an immediate impression at Real Madrid, scoring twice in his first three appearances and giving Jose Mourinho early evidence that he may have found the penalty-box striker his side has been missing.

The former Levante and Valencia forward was signed as a decisive presence in attack: a player capable of making intelligent runs inside the area, attacking crosses and converting chances with a natural striker’s instinct. His opening performances suggest he could offer far more than the back-up role originally expected of him.

Espi’s two goals are only an early indication of what he might contribute to Real Madrid, but both have underlined the qualities Mourinho wanted when he brought the forward to the club.

The first came against Ferencvaros in Budapest, when Espi opened the scoring with his first goal for Real Madrid after receiving an assist from Federico Valverde. He scored again against Schalke, rising at the far post to meet a cross from Carreras and directing a precise header into the net, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

At 1.94m, Espi has a physical advantage that has been absent from Real Madrid’s squad in recent seasons. His height makes him a significant aerial threat and gives the team another route to goal from crosses and set-pieces. He also combines that strength with movement inside the box and an ability to finish with his first touch.

That profile is particularly valuable to a Real Madrid side that has lacked this type of centre-forward since Joselu left in 2024. Mourinho appears to see elements of former striker Emmanuel Adebayor in Espi a traditional focal point in the area, or “Manolito” inside the box, as the article describes him.

Espi has handled the attention calmly. The confidence shown in him by Mourinho has been matched by a level of composure and maturity that, so far, helps justify the €25m Real Madrid paid to sign him.

He joined the club as cover for Kylian Mbappe, but his rapid start could put him in contention for a more significant share of playing time. If he continues at the same rate, he may become a genuine rival for minutes rather than simply a reserve option, not only challenging Endrick but also offering the potential to score regularly himself.

The speed of Espi’s rise is made more striking by the events of only a few weeks earlier. Within a 72-hour period, he went from preparing for a possible move to the Premier League to putting on the Real Madrid shirt and becoming Mourinho’s latest attacking discovery.

After his debut, Espi recalled the instructions Mourinho gave him when he entered the pitch: “Be yourself, stay in the penalty area, because the match was difficult, and give your best.”

The forward appears to have followed that message closely. His goals have generally come with his first touch, reflecting the instincts of a striker who understands when and where to move inside the area. That has pleased Mourinho, who appears to have found a second attacking option ready for the new season.

Espi made clear on his first appearance that he did not intend to settle for a minor role at Real Madrid.

“It’s a dream. I’m here to help my team-mates, give my best and take every opportunity the coach gives me,” he said.

A few weeks later, those words appear increasingly prophetic. Espi has been given his opportunities, taken them, and begun to suggest that Real Madrid may finally have the penalty-area striker it has lacked.