Barcelona, August 22, 2026: Real Madrid began their 2026/27 La Liga campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Espanyol, thanks to a late winner from new signing Carlos Espí at the RCDE Stadium.
The match looked set to finish level after both sides exchanged goals, but Espí appeared at the right moment in the closing stages to give José Mourinho a winning start on his return to the Real Madrid dugout.
Bellingham Gives Madrid the Lead
Real Madrid started brightly and controlled much of the early possession.
The visitors opened the scoring through Jude Bellingham, who headed the ball into the net after a dangerous delivery from Arda Güler.
The goal gave Madrid an early advantage, but Espanyol quickly responded and refused to allow the visitors to settle.
Espanyol Fight Back
Espanyol found their equaliser before halftime.
Álex Calatrava finished a well-worked attacking move to make it 1–1, giving the home side renewed confidence heading into the second half.
Real Madrid continued to create opportunities after the break, but Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović made important saves to keep his team in the game.
Madrid also came close when Federico Valverde struck the post, while Bellingham forced another save as the visitors searched for a second goal.
Espí Becomes the Hero
With the match approaching full time, Mourinho turned to Carlos Espí, and the young forward made an immediate impact.
In the 90th minute, Espí reacted quickest inside the penalty area after a move involving Kylian Mbappé created confusion in the Espanyol defence.
The striker found the finish and sent the Real Madrid players into celebration.
The late goal completed a dramatic 2–1 comeback victory and gave Espí a dream start to his competitive career with the club.
Mourinho Starts Second Real Madrid Era With a Win
The victory also marked a winning start to José Mourinho’s second spell as Real Madrid manager.
Although Madrid were not at their best throughout the match, they showed the ability to stay patient and find a decisive moment when it mattered most.
For Espí, however, the night belonged to him.
The forward’s late strike not only secured three points but also immediately placed his name among the talking points from Real Madrid’s opening weekend.
Final Score
Espanyol 1–2 Real Madrid
Real Madrid scorers:
- Jude Bellingham
- Carlos Espí
Espanyol scorer:
- Álex Calatrava
Real Madrid leave Barcelona with three points and an early boost of confidence, while Carlos Espí has announced himself in spectacular fashion with a last-minute winner.
