Jose Mourinho’s return to La Liga with Real Madrid got underway with a dramatic late winner at RCD Espanyol as Carlos Espi came off the bench to seal all three points as the match headed into stoppage time.
Madrid faced RDC Espanyol, who had already claimed a 3-0 home win over Levante to get their season off to a winning start. And Manolo Gonzalez’s side started in energetic fashion as they quickly closed down Madrid and denied them space in the opening minutes.
It did not take long for Los Blancos to find their feet, however, as they took the lead from their first attacking free-kick of the game in the ninth minute.
With the penalty box loaded with players, Arda Guler swung over a teasing delivery from the left flank, and Jude Bellingham rose highest to plant a header past Marko Dmitrovic in the Espanyol goal to give Madrid the early advantage.
The visitors continued to attack, with Kylian Mbappe to the fore, but they were unable to find a way past Dmitrovic. And, on the half-hour mark, the hosts levelled through Alex Calatrava.
The second half continued in similar vein to the first, with Madrid dominating possession and looking to create openings. But, despite plenty of dangerous build-up play, the composure in front of goal was missing. And even when a Madridista did manage to get an effort on target, they found Dmitrovic in the way.
With the game starting to peter out, and influential midfielder Bellingham limping badly after twisting his ankle on a divot, Mourinho rang the changes, with one of his additions, 21-year-old Espi, in the right place at the right time to find the net as the clock hit 90 minutes after the Espanyol defence crowded out Kylian Mbappe’s goal-bound run.
It gave Madrid a priceless three points on the road to get their La Liga campaign off to a winning start, and ensured that Mourinho’s return to Spanish league action began in typically dramatic fashion.
