Substitute's late goal seals dramatic 2-1 win for Mourinho's Real Madrid against Espanyol

Jose Mourinho's return to Real Madrid began with a dramatic flourish as his side snatched a 2-1 victory against Espanyol in their opening La Liga fixture. The match, held at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, saw a late surge from Real Madrid, with substitute Carlos Espi emerging as the hero.

Espi, who was introduced in the 80th minute, delivered the decisive blow in the 90th minute, scoring the winning goal that sealed a crucial three points for his team. This last-gasp goal ensured a triumphant start to the season for Mourinho, who has returned to manage the club.

The victory was hard-fought, with both teams battling for dominance. However, it was Real Madrid's ability to find an extra gear in the dying moments of the game that ultimately made the difference, highlighting the impact of Mourinho's tactical acumen and the team's fighting spirit.

The win sets a positive tone for Real Madrid's campaign under Mourinho, demonstrating their potential to secure vital results even in challenging circumstances. The dramatic nature of the victory suggests that Real Madrid will be a formidable opponent throughout the season.