By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Jose Mourinho began his second spell as Real Madrid manager with a dramatic 90th-minute victory over Espanyol. The 63-year-old coach guided Real to a thrilling win in Spain on Saturday, as debutant Carlos Espi scored the decisive goal. The result gave Mourinho a winning start after Real appointed him on a three-year contract in July.
Bellingham Gives Real Madrid Early Lead
Real Madrid started strongly and took the lead in the ninth minute.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham headed home Arda Guler’s free-kick to give the visitors an early advantage.
Real continued to dominate possession and created several scoring opportunities.
Bellingham later produced another powerful header, but Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic tipped it onto the crossbar.
Federico Valverde also came close when his curling effort struck the base of the post.
However, Real failed to extend their advantage despite controlling much of the match.
Espanyol Fight Back Through Cala
Espanyol gradually found a way back into the contest.
Summer signing Cala equalised in the 30th minute after Javi Hernandez delivered a dangerous cut-back.
The forward tapped the ball into the net at the far post to level the score.
The goal frustrated Mourinho’s side, which struggled to break down the determined hosts afterwards.
Nevertheless, Real continued searching for a late winner.
Mourinho Turns to New Signings
Mourinho introduced several attacking options from the bench to change the game.
Summer signings Espi, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande and Trent Alexander-Arnold entered the contest.
Diomande joined Real from RB Leipzig in a deal reportedly worth up to £120 million.
Meanwhile, Espi arrived from Levante for £21 million.
The changes eventually transformed the match.
Diomande found Kylian Mbappe inside the penalty area before the ball fell to Espi.
The Spanish forward remained calm and finished clinically to seal the victory.
Carlos Espi Scores Dramatic 90th-Minute Winner
Espi’s 90th-minute goal secured a thrilling victory for Real Madrid.
The late strike delighted Mourinho, who returned to the club after more than a decade.
His previous Real Madrid spell began in 2010 and lasted three seasons.
During that period, Mourinho won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Mourinho Brings Trophy-Laden Record to Real Madrid
Mourinho has won 26 major official trophies during his managerial career.
His achievements include three Premier League titles with Chelsea.
He also won the UEFA Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan.
Real Madrid turned to the experienced Portuguese coach after two trophyless seasons.
The club parted ways with Xabi Alonso in January.
Alvaro Arbeloa then guided the team until the end of the campaign on an interim basis.
Mourinho started his new era by selecting Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva.
Now, the dramatic win at Espanyol gives the Portuguese manager a positive foundation.
Real Madrid will hope Mourinho can restore the club’s winning culture and deliver trophies again.
