Spanish professional football club Real Madrid secured a dramatic victory in their opening match of the new La Liga season, marking manager Jose Mourinho's return to the club after 13 years.

Real Madrid won 2-1 against Espanyol in the opening round of the 2026-2027 La Liga away match held at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, thanks to a 90th-minute-winning goal by summer signing Carlos Espí.

Manager Mourinho signed a three-year contract with Real Madrid, which went trophyless last season, and this match marked his comeback game.

He previously led Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, capturing a total of three titles: La Liga in the 2011-2012 season, the Copa del Rey in the 2010-2011 season, and the Supercopa de España in 2012.

Real Madrid had a smooth start when Jude Bellingham headed in a cross from Arda Güler in the 9th minute of the first half to open the scoring.

However, they conceded an equalizer to Álex Calatrava in the 30th minute of the first half, bringing the game back to level terms.

Manager Mourinho's substitution paid off.

Espí, who was brought on in place of Bellingham in the 35th minute of the second half, found the back of the net just 10 minutes later.

As Kylian Mbappé lost possession, the loose ball fell to Espí, who powerfully struck it home to ripple the net.

Espí, who shined at Levante and joined Real Madrid ahead of this season, truly made his presence known by scoring on his debut.

"This is a victory built on grit, resilience, and the strength of the bench," Mourinho said. "The hunger shown by the players on the bench—that is exactly what we need."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior suffered from heavy marking by Espanyol.

Early in the match, he was brought down by a rough challenge from Álex Calatrava, which led to a war of words and a yellow card.

Mourinho remarked, "Vinícius is no saint, but the things they [opposing players] do to him go beyond the limit." He added, "Even in an era against bullying, the harassment directed at Vinícius continues. We must educate and prepare Vinícius for this."

Last season while managing Benfica in Portugal, Mourinho drew criticism for defending one of his own players who directed discriminatory remarks at Vinícius.

During a UEFA Champions League (UCL) match against Real Madrid, Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni made homophobic remarks toward Vinícius, and Mourinho stated at the time that it was because "Vinícius provoked the crowd with his celebration."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)