Real Madrid secures victory in Jose Mourinho's return to the club

Real Madrid opened their La Liga season with a narrow 2-1 victory against Espanyol on August 22, 2026. This match marked the highly anticipated official return of manager Jose Mourinho to the club's technical leadership.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 9th minute when Jude Bellingham scored a header from a Guler free kick. Espanyol equalized in the 30th minute through a Calatrava strike. Despite sustained pressure from Madrid in the second half, including a shot against the post by Valverde, the score remained tied until the first minute of stoppage time, when 21-year-old Carlos Espy scored the winning goal to secure the three points.