Jose Mourinho’s return to competitive football with Real Madrid got off to a dramatic start as his side secured a thrilling 90th-minute victory away at Espanyol.
Real Madrid struck first in the ninth minute, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham rising highest to head home a dangerous free-kick delivered from the right by Arda Guler.
Espanyol responded in the 30th minute, with summer arrival Cala finding the net from close range after Javi Hernandez’s low cut-back reached him at the far post.
Real Madrid controlled large periods of the match and came agonisingly close to regaining the lead on two occasions, only to be denied by the woodwork before their late breakthrough through debutant Carlos Espi.
Bellingham came close to a second when his powerful header was brilliantly pushed onto the crossbar by Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic, while Federico Valverde saw his curling strike crash against the base of the post.
Mourinho eventually turned to his impressive bench in search of a winning goal, introducing several high-profile summer arrivals, including Carlos Espi, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande — Real Madrid’s record signing from RB Leipzig in a deal that could rise to £120m — and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Espi, signed from Levante for £21m, ultimately delivered the decisive moment. Diomande picked out Kylian Mbappe inside the penalty area, and when the ball fell perfectly into Espi’s path, the Spanish forward kept his composure to calmly fire home the winner.
The result was a major relief for Mourinho, who had watched his team struggle to turn their dominance into goals. The Portuguese coach was appointed on a three-year contract in July and handed competitive debuts to new recruits Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva.
Mourinho’s previous spell at Real Madrid began in 2010 and lasted three seasons, during which he guided the club to La Liga glory, Copa del Rey success and the Spanish Super Cup.
Now 63, Mourinho has collected 26 major honours throughout his managerial career, including three Premier League titles with Chelsea and Champions League triumphs with both Porto and Inter Milan.
Real Madrid have endured two consecutive trophyless seasons and eventually parted company with Xabi Alonso in January, before former player Alvaro Arbeloa took temporary charge and guided the team through the remainder of the campaign.
For Real Madrid, Mourinho’s return could hardly have produced a more dramatic opening chapter — a late winner, expensive new signings and a reminder that under the Portuguese manager, Real Madrid will never be short of drama.
MOURINHO’S NEW ERA: REAL MADRID LEAVE IT LATE
