Espi scores in extra time for Real Madrid’s win in Mourinho’s return

Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 in Catalonia, with Carlos Espi scoring the winner in extra time, making Jose Mourinho happy in his debut in the second period as head coach of Los Blancos.

“The Special One” is Real Madrid’s head coach again, more than 13 years after he last led the team during his 1^st period on June 1^st, 2013.

The match started really well for Los Blancos as they opened the scoring in the 9th minute when Arda Guler assisted Jude Bellingham from a corner, and the English star made it 1-0 with his head.

However, the home side didn’t give up and, in the 30th minute, evened the result, as the two clubs finished the 1^st half with a draw.

In the 2^nd half, the Royal club needed Carlos Espi to come from the bench to win the clash, as the former Levante forward was in the right place at the right time to score the winning goal.

More on this topic:

Mourinho will certainly return to Real Madrid after Perez re-elected

The Portuguese manager will make his debut at home at the “Bernabeu” in several days when Los Blancos host Real Sociedad on Wednesday in LaLiga’s 2^nd round.

Carlos Espí's first Real Madrid goal: a 90th-minute winner on his debut 😱 pic.twitter.com/X5MIiokfDH

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 22, 2026