José Mourinho's return to Real Madrid has begun with a victory, but it was not until the final moments that his team found the goal that settled a tense LaLiga opener.
Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2–1 at the RCDE Stadium, with Jude Bellingham opening the scoring before Carlos Espí came off the bench to produce a dramatic late winner.
For Mourinho, it was an important first competitive victory since returning to the Madrid dugout.
Bellingham Gets Madrid Off the Mark
Real Madrid started brightly and took the lead through Bellingham, who headed home from an Arda Güler delivery in the ninth minute.
Espanyol responded before half-time through Alex Calatrava, leaving the two teams level at the break.
Madrid created opportunities to regain control, but the hosts remained competitive and made life uncomfortable for Mourinho's side.
Espí Delivers the Moment
With the match heading towards a draw, Mourinho turned to his substitutes, including new signing Carlos Espí.
The decision paid off.
Espí struck in the 90th minute, capitalising on a loose ball to give Real Madrid a dramatic 2–1 victory.
The forward had only been on the pitch for around 10 minutes before becoming the match-winner.
It was an impressive introduction for a player Mourinho has already shown considerable faith in since bringing him to Madrid from Levante.
The result also continues Espí's encouraging start to life at the club after he impressed during pre-season.
Mourinho Praises Espí's Personality
After the match, Mourinho revealed an unusual detail about his relationship with the young forward.
“I like Carlos Espí! I like him a lot. We live together at Valdebebas… he's very funny.”
Mourinho then joked that they have breakfast together every day.
“We have breakfast together every day.”
The Madrid coach also revealed that Marc Cucurella is living at Valdebebas with them, while stressing that every member of the squad will have a role to play.
“All players should know we need all of them, not 13 or 14.”
That message could prove important for Mourinho as he manages a squad packed with established stars and younger players competing for opportunities.
A Winning Start, But Work Remains
The three points are the biggest positive from Mourinho's first La Liga match back at Real Madrid.
However, the performance also showed that this team is still taking shape.
Madrid had moments of control but allowed Espanyol back into the match and needed a stoppage-time winner to secure victory.
For now, though, Mourinho will happily take the result.
Bellingham provided the early spark, Espí supplied the decisive finish, and Mourinho's second spell at Real Madrid has begun with three points.
Not perfect, but a winning start, and Carlos Espí has already given Madrid fans something to talk about.