Jose Mourinho began his second spell as Real Madrid coach with a 2-1 victory over Espanyol on Saturday, as a late goal from Carlos Espi secured three points at the RCDE Stadium.
Jude Bellingham gave Madrid an early lead in the ninth minute. Arda Guler delivered the ball from a set piece and Bellingham headed it past Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic.
Espanyol responded well after falling behind and levelled in the 30th minute through Cala. The defenders goal left the sides level at half time, with Madrid struggling to turn their early advantage into sustained control.
Mourinho started with Bellingham and Guler together, while Bernardo Silva made his competitive debut for Madrid alongside Federico Valverde in midfield. Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras formed the back four in front of Thibaut Courtois.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior led the attack, but neither could find the net as Espanyol remained in the contest. Mourinho made several changes in the second half, including bringing on Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande, Eduardo Camavinga, Trent Alexander Arnold and 19 year old forward Carlos Espi.
The decision to introduce Espi proved decisive. The young forward scored in stoppage time to restore Madrids lead and give Mourinho victory in his first competitive match since returning to the club. Espanyol had little time to respond before the final whistle.
Madrid therefore opened their campaign with three points, although the result came after a match in which Espanyol repeatedly made the visitors work for control.
Real Madrid are scheduled to face Real Sociedad on 26 August at the Santiago Bernabeu.
