Jose Mourinho’s second spell as Real Madrid manager began with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol, as debutant Carlos Espi struck in the 90th minute to snatch three points for the visitors at the RCDE Stadium.

The Espanyol vs Real Madrid clash appeared destined to finish level after Jude Bellingham’s early opener was cancelled out by Espanyol summer signing Cala, but Real’s strength from the bench eventually proved decisive.

Mourinho, who returned to Real Madrid on a three-year contract in July, watched his side dominate large periods of the match but struggle to find a decisive second goal. Two efforts struck the woodwork before Espi’s late intervention finally settled an entertaining contest.

Real Madrid Make Fast Start at Espanyol

Mourinho wasted little time in seeing his new side take control.

Real Madrid opened the scoring after just nine minutes when Bellingham rose to meet Arda Guler’s wide free-kick, powering his header beyond Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic.

It was an ideal beginning to Mourinho’s competitive return to the club, with Bellingham immediately providing an attacking threat from midfield.

Espanyol, however, responded strongly.

After surviving Real’s early pressure, the hosts found an equaliser in the 30th minute. Javi Hernandez delivered a dangerous cut-back towards the far post, where Cala arrived to tap home and make it 1-1.

The goal transformed the atmosphere inside the RCDE Stadium, with Espanyol sensing an opportunity to frustrate the visitors.

Real Madrid continued to control possession and create opportunities, but Dmitrovic repeatedly kept his team in the contest.

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Remains Closely Contested

Espanyol vs Real Madrid became increasingly frustrating for Mourinho as his side struggled to turn their dominance into a winning goal.

Bellingham came close to restoring Real’s advantage with another powerful header, but Dmitrovic produced an excellent save to push the effort onto the crossbar.

Federico Valverde then came within inches of scoring when his curling attempt struck the base of the post.

Those chances demonstrated Real’s superiority but also highlighted their failure to put the game beyond Espanyol.

Mourinho responded by turning to his bench, introducing a collection of talented new arrivals as he looked for the breakthrough.

Among those introduced were Carlos Espi, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande and England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The changes eventually transformed the contest.

Real Madrid’s New Signings Decide the Game

The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute.

Diomande found Kylian Mbappe inside the penalty area, and as the ball fell invitingly into the path of Espi, the Spanish forward kept his composure to finish and send Real Madrid into a late lead.

For Espi, it was a dream competitive debut.

The forward joined Real from Levante for £21m and immediately made an impact at a crucial moment, scoring the goal that gave Mourinho victory in his first competitive game since returning to the Spanish giants.

The scoreline, Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid, was harsh on the hosts given how well they had defended for much of the second half, but Real’s depth ultimately made the difference.

Mourinho had the luxury of introducing several high-profile players, and it was one of those substitutes who delivered the decisive contribution.

Mourinho Begins Second Real Madrid Era With Victory

The victory marked the beginning of a new chapter for Mourinho at Real Madrid.

His first spell at the club began in 2010 and lasted three seasons. During that period, he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

The Portuguese manager now returns to a club attempting to recover from two consecutive trophyless seasons.

Real parted company with Xabi Alonso in January before Alvaro Arbeloa took temporary charge for the remainder of the campaign. Mourinho was subsequently appointed on a three-year deal as the club sought a new direction.

The 63-year-old arrives with considerable experience, having won 26 major official trophies throughout his managerial career.

His achievements include three Premier League titles with Chelsea and Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter Milan.

Mourinho also began this latest era with several major additions to his squad. Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva were among the new signings handed starts, while Diomande and Espi later demonstrated the quality available on the bench.

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Shows Real’s Squad Depth

The most encouraging aspect of the victory may have been the way the visitors continued searching for a solution despite being frustrated for long periods.

Real created enough chances to win the match comfortably, but Espanyol’s defensive resistance and Dmitrovic’s saves kept the hosts alive.

Rather than becoming increasingly predictable, Mourinho was able to turn to his substitutes and change the nature of the game.

Diomande’s involvement in the winning goal and Espi’s composed finish illustrated the attacking options available to the manager.

For Espanyol, the defeat will be disappointing because they had worked hard to stay level after conceding so early. Cala’s equaliser gave them genuine belief, and the hosts managed to withstand sustained Real pressure for most of the second half.

Ultimately, though, Real’s individual quality proved decisive.

A Winning Start for Mourinho

The Espanyol vs Real Madrid encounter provided Mourinho with precisely the kind of opening he would have wanted, even if the performance was not entirely convincing.

His side dominated much of the match, created several clear opportunities and showed the patience required to find a winner deep into stoppage time.

There will be plenty for Mourinho to improve as the season develops, particularly in converting sustained pressure into goals earlier in matches.

But the result matters.

After two trophyless seasons, Real Madrid have begun a new era with three points, while Mourinho has immediately demonstrated the value of his squad depth.

And for Carlos Espi, the evening could hardly have been more memorable.

His 90th-minute winner ensured that Mourinho’s second competitive debut as Real Madrid manager ended in victory, giving the Spanish giants an early boost as they begin their pursuit of silverware once again.