Real Madrid opened their 2026/27 LaLiga campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol, as debutant Carlos Espí scored a stoppage-time winner to give José Mourinho the perfect start to his second spell in charge.
The victory extended Madrid’s remarkable run to 18 consecutive seasons without defeat in their opening LaLiga fixture, while Mourinho has now won seven successive managerial debuts.
Bellingham Gives Real Madrid the Perfect Start
Real Madrid wasted little time imposing themselves at the RCDE Stadium. Inside the opening 10 minutes, Jude Bellingham rose highest to meet an inviting Arda Güler free-kick, powering his header beyond Marko Dmitrović for the opening goal.
Madrid’s aggressive pressing initially unsettled Espanyol, but the hosts gradually found their rhythm. Clemens Riedel tested Thibaut Courtois with a powerful long-range strike before Espanyol eventually found their equalizer.
Javi Hernández produced an excellent run to the byline before cutting the ball back for Álex Calatrava, who calmly swept home to make it 1-1.
Both teams had opportunities before half-time. Dmitrović denied Kylian Mbappé, while Roberto Fernández wasted a golden opportunity for Espanyol with a header from close range.
Real Madrid Push for the Winner
Madrid regained control after the break and nearly restored their advantage through Bellingham, whose header crashed against the crossbar.
Mourinho then introduced club-record signing Yan Diomandé shortly after the hour mark. His arrival almost had an immediate impact, with a deflected cross eventually falling to Federico Valverde, whose effort struck the outside of the post.
Espanyol continued to frustrate Madrid, while Mbappé endured a difficult evening in front of goal. With the match heading towards a draw, however, Mourinho’s side finally found their breakthrough.
Carlos Espí Scores Dramatic Stoppage-Time Winner
The decisive moment arrived in the first minute of stoppage time.
Debutant Carlos Espí reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area, rounded Dmitrović and fired into the empty net to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The late goal ended Espanyol’s four-match unbeaten LaLiga run and ensured Mourinho began his latest Real Madrid chapter with three valuable points.
What the Result Means for Real Madrid
It wasn’t a flawless performance, but winning difficult away matches could prove crucial if Real Madrid are to challenge for the 2026/27 LaLiga title.
Bellingham’s influence, Güler’s creativity and Espí’s dream debut provided early positives for Mourinho. Madrid also showed persistence after hitting the woodwork twice and struggling to break down a determined Espanyol defense.
For Espanyol, the defeat will sting after they pushed the Spanish giants until stoppage time, but their performance demonstrated they can compete with LaLiga’s strongest sides.
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Final Verdict
Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid ultimately belonged to Carlos Espí.
Bellingham provided the early breakthrough; Calatrava brought Espanyol back into contention, but Espí’s stoppage-time intervention ensured José Mourinho’s Real Madrid return began with victory. It was dramatic rather than dominant, but Los Blancos have their first three points on the board—and a potentially memorable new hero.
