Overview
- Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 with Carlos Espi scoring a 90th-minute winner on his debut to seal José Mourinho’s first competitive match back as manager.
- Jude Bellingham gave Madrid the lead early with a header from an Arda Guler free‑kick before Alex Calatrava levelled for Espanyol in the 30th minute.
- Mourinho used multiple new signings off the bench and six arrivals including Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konaté made starts or early appearances.
- Espanyol had begun the weekend confidently after a 3-0 opening win over Levante and winger Tyrhys Dolan’s strong form and maturity were noted ahead of the match.
- The game, played at RCDE Stadium on Saturday, drew wide international broadcast and streaming coverage and shows Madrid’s bench additions can decide tight matches going forward.