Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 in Jose Mourinho’s first game on return
Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Espanyol in Jose Mourinho's first match back as manager. Substitute Carlos Espi scored the winning goal in the 90th minute after Jude Bellingham's opener was equalized by Alex Calatrava.
Why it matters
Mourinho's return to Real Madrid is a major narrative in European football, as the club seeks to reclaim domestic dominance from Barcelona.
Carlos Espi scores late to snatch a win for Real Madrid after Alex Calatrava had levelled Jude Bellingham’s opener.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Carlos Espi scores Madrid's winner against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona [Alex Caparros/Getty Images] By AFP Published On 22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026 Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge of Real Madrid began with a last-gasp 2-1 victory at Espanyol in La Liga, with substitute Carlos Espi pouncing in the 90th minute to grab the winner.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in Los Blancos’ opening fixture of the season on Saturday, and new signing Espi secured the points at the death after Alex Calatrava had levelled against Mourinho’s star-studded team.
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