{
  "id": 2662438,
  "title": "Real Madrid snatch late win at Espanyol on Mourinho’s return",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/real-madrid-snatch-late-win-at-espanyol-on-mourinhos-return-2662438",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T22:09:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/08/23/real-madrid-snatch-late-win-at-espanyol-on-mourinho-s-return"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid claimed a thrilling 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their La Liga opener on Saturday, thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Carlos Espi. Jose Mourinho, making his second return to the club, led the team as he sought to restore order following their chaotic season. Substitute Carlos Espi, who was signed in the summer, scored the winning goal in the 90th minute. The match started well for Madrid, with Jude Bellingham scoring the opening goal with a headed finish. However, Espanyol equalized in the 30th minute through Alex Calatrava. Espanyol's Marko Dmitrovic made a crucial save to deny Mbappe, while Vinicius Junior had limited impact. Mourinho's new signings, including Yan Diomande and Marc Cucurella, joined the fray late in the game. Despite the loss, Espanyol's Calatrava admitted their effort was commendable, though conceding the late goal felt like a significant setback. Barcelona will kick off their season against Elche on Sunday, while Atletico Madrid will host Villarreal.",
  "summary": "Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in Los Blancos' opening fixture of the season, and new signing Carlos Espi secured the 2-1 victory.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 10,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Mourinho gets going at Madrid, Inter starts with a win and Man United loses",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/mourinho-gets-going-at-madrid-inter-starts-with-a-win-and-man-united",
        "published": "2026-08-22T19:02:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Late Espi goal fires Real Madrid to win at Espanyol on Mourinho’s return",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/late-espi-goal-fires-real-madrid-to-win-at-espanyol-on-mourinhos",
        "published": "2026-08-22T20:20:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Mourinho begins Real Madrid reign with last-minute win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/mourinho-begins-real-madrid-reign-with-last-minute-win",
        "published": "2026-08-22T21:52:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 in Jose Mourinho’s first game on return",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/real-madrid-beat-espanyol-2-1-in-jose-mourinhos-first-game-on-return",
        "published": "2026-08-22T21:55:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Substitute Espi snatches last-gasp winner in Real Madrid LaLiga opener",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/substitute-espi-snatches-last-gasp-winner-in-real-madrid-laliga-opener",
        "published": "2026-08-22T21:55:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "El Pais",
        "title": "Carlos Espí avoids the upset in the 90th minute on debut for the new Real Madrid",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/carlos-espi-evita-en-el-90-el-gatillazo-en-el-estreno-del-nuevo-real",
        "published": "2026-08-22T22:00:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Real Madrid snatch late win at Espanyol on Mourinho’s return",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/real-madrid-snatch-late-win-at-espanyol-on-mourinhos-return-2664935",
        "published": "2026-08-22T22:09:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Real Madrid snatch late win at Espanyol on Mourinho's return",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/real-madrid-snatch-late-win-at-espanyol-on-mourinhos-return-2664718",
        "published": "2026-08-22T22:13:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Real Madrid snatch late win at Espanyol on Mourinho's return",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/real-madrid-snatch-late-win-at-espanyol-on-mourinhos-return",
        "published": "2026-08-22T22:16:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}