Real Madrid beats Espanyol 2-1 in Mourinho's return debut

Carlos Espí scored in the 90th minute to give Real Madrid a 2-1 win over Espanyol in José Mourinho's first official match of his second spell as coach. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 9th minute, but Calatrava equalized for the hosts in the 30th. The result gives Mourinho his first three points since returning to the club Source: ABC, elnacionalve, infobae.

Debutants and tactics

Mourinho started three new signings: Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva, with Cucurella, Diomande, and Espí coming on as substitutes Source: ABC, elconfidencial. The team lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Bellingham in the attacking midfield role and Arda Güler on the right Source: elconfidencial, elmundoes. Güler provided the assist for Bellingham's header Source: elconfidencial, elmundoes.

Reaction and analysis

Santi Cañizares praised Konaté as the standout debutant, calling his performance "extraordinary," while noting that Bernardo Silva and Diomande were "very timid" Source: ABC. El Confidencial described the team as "much more intense, more committed, and with a much clearer idea of play" compared to last season Source: elconfidencial. However, El Mundo noted that the team faded after a strong start, becoming "partido and vulnerable" when playing vertically Source: elmundoes.

What's next

Real Madrid's next league match is against Real Sociedad on August 26, a fixture postponed from the first round Source: elconfidencial. The win provides an early boost for Mourinho, who faces the challenge of integrating six new signings while competing with Barcelona for the title Source: lavanguardia.