Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review
Real Madrid managed to avoid defeat in their first LaLiga match for the 18th consecutive season, thanks to a late winning goal from newcomer Carlos Espí, securing a 2-1 victory over Espanyol. This marked José Mourinho’s seventh consecutive win in his managerial debuts. During Mourinho’s initial tenure at Real Madrid, ending Barcelona’s dominance was a key objective, and that goal remains the same in his second term.
The Special One’s second spell began perfectly within the first 10 minutes, as Jude Bellingham rose highest in the box to head in Arda Güler’s precise free-kick at the near post. Espanyol appeared unsettled by Real’s intense and high-pressing play but nearly responded midway through the half when Clemens Riedel unleashed a powerful 30-yard shot that forced Thibaut Courtois into a sharp save. That long-range shot seemed to energize the home team, and they quickly managed to equalize against Mourinho’s squad. Javi Hernández did the hard work leading up to the goal, skillfully making his way to the byline before passing back to the unmarked Álex Calatrava, who calmly finished.
Both teams exchanged attacks as they tried to take the lead before halftime. Kylian Mbappé had a shot blocked by Marko Dmitrović’s legs, and shortly after, an unmarked Roberto Fernández missed a header from just six yards out. The second half started much like the first, with Real Madrid pressing strongly. Another header from Bellingham nearly put the visitors ahead again, but his effort struck the crossbar. Mourinho brought on new club-record signing Yan Diomandé just after the 60-minute mark to add more attacking threat, and it nearly paid off when his deflected cross landed perfectly for Federico Valverde at the edge of the box, but Valverde’s shot hit the outside of the post and went wide.
Mbappé’s half-volley from the edge of the box, about 10 minutes before the end, which went wide near the corner flag rather than on target, reflected the difficulties Real experienced throughout the match. However, they seized their crucial moment in the first minute of added time when Espí was the fastest to respond to a loose ball inside the penalty area, dribbled past Dmitrović, and powerfully scored into an empty net, ending Espanyol’s four-game unbeaten streak in LaLiga and securing a winning start for Real.
