New signing Espi rescues Mourinho's Real Madrid in season opener

Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory in their season opener against Espanyol, with substitute Carlos Espi emerging as the unlikely hero. The match marked José Mourinho's return to the Real Madrid bench, and it appeared he might face a draw until Espi's late intervention in added time.

The game saw Real Madrid take an early lead in the tenth minute when Jude Bellingham, continuing his goal-scoring form, headed in a free-kick. However, the team's defensive coordination seemed lacking, and Espanyol equalized around the half-hour mark when Álex Calatrava finished a well-worked move unmarked in the Real Madrid penalty area.

Despite not playing impressively as a team, Real Madrid created several chances, largely through individual brilliance. Star forward Kylian Mbappé was particularly active, though he missed several opportunities. Mourinho introduced another new signing, Yan Diomande, in the second half as Real Madrid pushed for a winner.

Ultimately, it was Espi, another summer acquisition, who provided the decisive moment. Mbappé broke through the Espanyol defense and created a loose ball, which Espi promptly converted into the net, sealing the win for Real Madrid and avoiding a disappointing start to the season under their new coach.