Carlos Espi scores late to grab a win for Actual Madrid after Alex Calatrava had levelled Jude Bellingham’s opener.
Revealed On 22 Aug 2026
Jose Mourinho’s second spell in command of Actual Madrid started with a last-gasp 2-1 victory at Espanyol in La Liga, with substitute Carlos Espi pouncing within the ninetieth minute to seize the winner.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in Los Blancos’ opening fixture of the season on Saturday, and new signing Espi secured the factors on the demise after Alex Calatrava had levelled towards Mourinho’s star-studded crew.
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Again in command of Madrid 13 years after leaving, Portuguese veteran Mourinho should deliver the dressing room underneath management after the chaos of final season, and finish Spanish champions Barcelona’s home dominance.
Mourinho began with superstars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Bellingham, in addition to handing debuts to Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate.
Bellingham had a wonderful first season at Madrid after arriving from Borussia Dortmund, however the next two had been disappointing, each for him and the membership, who did not win a serious trophy in both.
Mourinho put in him in attacking midfield with a licence to roam, and the previous Birmingham man was closely concerned earlier than his purpose as Madrid probed.
The England worldwide netted the primary of Mourinho’s second period on the membership, heading dwelling Arda Guler’s harmful crossed free kick.
Espanyol threatened halfway via the primary half as Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois beat away Clemens Riedel’s drive and Roberto Fernandez hooked over shortly afterwards.
Madrid didn’t heed the warning, and Espanyol levelled within the thirtieth minute, Calatrava slotting dwelling Javi Hernandez’s cut-back after a effective crew transfer.
Espanyol stopper Marko Dmitrovic made a superb save to cease Mbappe after he received in behind on the correct of the realm.
The French ahead, La Liga’s prime scorer in each of his seasons on the membership, was not at his deadly greatest in entrance of purpose.
Mourinho despatched on two extra new arrivals within the type of document signing Yan Diomande and Marc Cucurella as Madrid sought a winner within the closing 25 minutes.
Federico Valverde hit the skin of the put up with a low effort from the sting of the field as Espanyol dug deep to disclaim Madrid clear possibilities.
Nevertheless, within the ninetieth minute Madrid discovered the purpose they wanted when former Levante striker Espi, the bottom profile of Los Blancos’ summer season purchases, capitalised on a unfastened ball within the field and fired dwelling.
Earlier, Sevilla gained 3-1 at Athletic Bilbao and Valencia, and Celta Vigo drew 0-0.
