José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid started off on a positive note, with new recruit Carlos Espí clinching a last-gasp 2-1 win against Espanyol by scoring in the 90th minute.
The Portuguese manager took the helm at Madrid for the first time in 13 years, having been reappointed this summer, and faced the prospect of a challenging opener in LaLiga.
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“We deserved to win, but Espanyol didn’t merit defeat,” Mourinho stated during the post-match press conference. “We controlled the second half well, pressed hard, and ultimately earned the victory.”
Following an opening goal from England’s Jude Bellingham in the ninth minute, Álex Calatrava equalized for the hosts half an hour later.
As the match approached stoppage time, Espí seized his opportunity when Kylian Mbappé lost possession, firing the ball past Marko Dmitrovic to secure his first goal for Madrid shortly after coming on as a substitute.
The 21-year-old Espí was a standout performer in LaLiga last season, with reports indicating that Madrid paid Levante €25 million ($28 million) for his transfer. His Saturday goal marked his 11th in LaLiga since February 27, the highest tally by any player within that timeframe.
“He’s living the dream, but he puts in the hard work for the team,” Mourinho remarked. “That goal made all the difference.”
Mourinho also gave starting opportunities to Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva—the first instance since 2009 that three debutants started Madrid’s opening LaLiga match, when Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Karim Benzema made their debuts.
Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, who transferred from RB Leipzig as the club’s most significant summer acquisition for an initial €125 million ($146 million), made his debut in the second half, replacing Arda Güler in the 64th minute.
Bellingham had previously opened the scoring by heading in a free kick from Güler, marking his first start and second appearance after helping England secure third place in the World Cup just five weeks prior.
“I was uncertain whether to start him or bring him on, and I’m not sure if it was the right choice to start him, but he’s physically and mentally robust,” Mourinho commented on Bellingham. “This position suits him well; he connects with the forwards and has the ability to score. He must play closer to the goal.”
“When he plays as a No. 6 or No. 8, we lose his proximity to scoring opportunities. I prefer this Jude, who is in top shape and gives his all for 90 minutes.”
Real Madrid will face Real Sociedad next at the Bernabéu for their first home match of the season on Wednesday.
Contributions from ESPN’s Alex Kirkland and The Associated Press were utilized in this report.