Okay, Real Madrid just kicked off their season with a wild 2-1 win over Espanyol at RCDE Stadium, snagging their first injury-time winner of the year and all three points on the road to Cibeles. Six players made their debuts, and José Mourinho was back on the touchline after 13 years away, but it was a moment just 10 minutes in the making that ultimately sealed the deal for Los Blancos.
Mourinho’s Magic and an Instant Star
The Special One returned to the Real Madrid dugout, and guess what? He’s still got Espanyol’s number. This game marked his seventh match against them without a loss, adding to his record of four wins and two draws from his previous stint between 2010 and 2013. His last encounter with the Catalans was a 1-1 draw way back in May 2013. It almost went that way again, sliding towards a third consecutive draw, if not for Carlos Espí. The guy came on for Jude Bellingham and just 10 minutes later, BOOM! His first goal for Real Madrid, a pivotal touch and finish that changed the scoreline and secured the crucial victory. Talk about an immediate impact. It’s wild because that’s the exact same amount of time it took for Endrick to score on his Real Madrid debut back in August 2024. That’s a good omen, right?
Mbappé’s Frustration and Bellingham’s Head Start
Even with the win, there were some head-scratchers, especially around Kylian Mbappé. The dude racked up a staggering 1.74 xG with double-digit shots, but the net just wouldn’t bulge for him. Two point-blank chances alone accounted for 1.33 xG, a header and a right-foot shot, both going wide. Tough night for the finishing touch! Yet, he still snagged an assist on Espí’s winner, which is a full month earlier than he got his first assist last season. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham continues to prove he’s the aerial threat Real Madrid needed after Joselu’s departure. He headed in a pinpoint free-kick from Arda Güler, marking his eighth headed goal for the club, seven of which came in league play. He’s the only player to have scored with his head in La Liga for any team across the last four seasons, which is just insane. Out there making plays, Ibrahima Konaté led all players with 89 touches, showing he was all over the field.
The Streak Lives On
This win wasn’t just three points, it was about history. Real Madrid hasn’t lost their opening game of the season in 18 years! Their last opening day defeat was a 2-1 loss to Deportivo A Coruña in August 2008. Before that, it was 2001, and then all the way back to 1984. That’s a serious legacy, and Espí’s late heroics kept it alive. Starting the season strong with a dramatic road win, it sets the tone. What a way to kick off the journey to Cibeles and build momentum for the long season ahead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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