Real Madrid snatch late win at Espanyol on Mourinho’s return

Real Madrid secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, thanks to substitute Carlos Espi's late goal in the 90th minute. Jose Mourinho, returning to manage the club for the second time, led his team to a win that marked the opening fixture of the season. Jude Bellingham scored the opening goal, while the substitute Espi secured the winning points after Alex Calatrava had leveled the score.

Mourinho emphasized that his team deserved the win, stating that Espanyol didn't deserve to lose as they lacked players who participated in the World Cup and had been working together for an extended period. The Portuguese coach started the match with star players such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Bellingham, along with debuting Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, and Ibrahima Konate.

Despite Espanyol's threat in the first half, Madrid managed to maintain their lead and ultimately triumph when Espi capitalized on a loose ball in the box to score the decisive goal.