Real Madrid began the new La Liga season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Espanyol on Saturday, as substitute Carlos Espí scored a 90th-minute winner to give José Mourinho a winning start in his second spell as manager.

Jude Bellingham had given Los Blancos an early lead at the RCDE Stadium, only for Álex Calatrava to equalise before the interval.

Madrid needed just nine minutes to go in front. Arda Güler delivered a teasing free-kick into the box and Bellingham rose highest to head the ball inside the near post.

Espanyol responded well and levelled in the 30th minute when Javi Hernández cut the ball back for the unmarked Calatrava to finish past Thibaut Courtois.

The second half became a story of Madrid pressure and Espanyol resistance. Kylian Mbappé was denied more than once by goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović, while Federico Valverde struck the post. Mourinho introduced Espí with ten minutes remaining, and the summer signing from Levante made an immediate impact. In the final minute Mbappé was crowded out in the area, the ball broke loose, and Espí smashed it home from close range for his first Real Madrid goal.

Madrid dominated possession and created far more chances, finishing with 2.92 expected goals to Espanyol’s 1.12. Mourinho praised his substitutes’ hunger and said his side deserved the three points even if the late defeat was tough on the hosts. Espanyol had defended stubbornly and made life uncomfortable for a Madrid side still finding their rhythm after the World Cup.

The result gives Mourinho an immediate boost as he begins his second chapter at the club. Madrid will look to build on the late drama when they return to action, while Espanyol can take encouragement from a committed display that almost earned them a point against one of the league’s favourites.

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