The highly anticipated return of José Mourinho to the sidelines was tested rigorously at Montjuïc, where his team secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Espanyol. The defining moment came late in the game when Carlos Espí delivered a decisive goal, clinching all three points for Real Madrid.
From the outset, the match unfolded as a tough contest, with both sides vying for control. The game’s intensity was reflected in several cautions; Espanyol’s Pere Milla and Edu Expósito, along with Pol Lozano, were each shown yellow cards for fouls committed in critical moments of the second half.
Late Drama Secures Real Madrid Win
The breakthrough arrived in the 89th minute when Espí, having come on as a substitute just ten minutes prior, capitalized on a close-range opportunity to score, putting Real Madrid ahead 2-1. This goal proved crucial after a missed attempt by Kylian Mbappé earlier in the half, whose effort from outside the box narrowly missed the target.
Real Madrid’s substitutions played a pivotal role in shifting the momentum. Espí replaced Jude Bellingham, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Eduardo Camavinga also entered the fray, reinforcing the team’s defensive and midfield lines. Alexander-Arnold notably won a free kick in the defensive half in the closing stages, helping to manage the game’s tempo.
Espanyol, despite their efforts, struggled to break through the Madrid defense in the dying minutes. A late free kick won by Espí and persistent defensive work ensured Real Madrid’s lead was preserved until the final whistle.
The match concluded with a 2-1 scoreline, marking a successful and challenging start for Mourinho’s return, as Real Madrid overcame a resilient Espanyol side in this LaLiga 2026/27 fixture.