90' - Espí strikes at the crucial moment!

Real Madrid are back in front! Carlos Espí finds himself inside the box and finishes from close range with his right foot to put Los Blancos ahead in the closing minutes.

Score: Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid

30' - Cala levels the game!

Cala picks up the ball inside the box and fires a brilliant left-footed volley into the top corner. Javi Hernández provided the assist as Espanyol pull level against Real Madrid.

Score: Espanyol 1-1 Real Madrid

9' - Bellingham puts Madrid ahead!

Jude Bellingham gets on the end of Arda Güler's cross and heads the ball into the net. Real Madrid have the lead!

Score: Espanyol 0-1 Real Madrid

Mourinho Returns to Real Madrid in a Highly Anticipated Clash

The wait is over for José Mourinho. Thirteen years after his departure, the Portuguese manager will once again lead Real Madrid in an official LaLiga match, with his return taking place at the RCDE Stadium as Los Blancos face Espanyol.

Although this is the second round of the campaign, the match represents Real Madrid’s LaLiga debut, after their game against Real Sociedad was rescheduled for Wednesday, August 26. As a result, all eyes will be on how Mourinho’s side responds when they finally compete for their first league points of the season.

Los Blancos head into the match with positive momentum after an unbeaten preseason. Following a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina, they picked up wins over Ferencváros, Deportivo La Coruña and Schalke 04, the latter coming in a convincing 3-0 victory.

The new Madrid project also arrives strengthened by key additions such as Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Yan Diomandé, signings that have raised expectations around a team that finished last season without a trophy.

Espanyol Aim to Spoil Madrid’s Return

If Real Madrid arrive with plenty of expectations, Espanyol have no intention of playing the role of victims. Manolo González’s side made a spectacular start to the season by defeating Levante 3-0.

After a difficult previous campaign, beginning the new season with a convincing victory could give Espanyol the confidence needed to face one of the toughest matches on their schedule.

Still, Espanyol have not managed to string together consecutive home victories since December, while Real Madrid have enjoyed a strong recent record in this matchup.

Key Absences Could Shape Both Teams’ Plans

Mourinho will not have his entire squad available for his highly anticipated return. Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo will miss the match through injury, while Raúl Asencio is also sidelined after suffering a muscle injury that is expected to keep him out for approximately six weeks.

However, the Portuguese manager will have several major names at his disposal. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konaté are available, as is new signing Yan Diomandé.

Espanyol will also have to deal with significant absences. Javi Puado will miss the match after suffering an ACL tear that is expected to keep him out until November or December. Kike García is also unavailable after undergoing surgery for a hamstring tendon injury that will sideline him for several months.

To help cover those absences, the club brought in defender Unai Núñez on loan from Celta. The center-back already featured in the friendly against Coventry City and is expected to partner Leandro Cabrera in the heart of the defense.

A Debut Packed With Pressure, History and High Stakes

The clash between Espanyol and Real Madrid comes with plenty at stake. For the hosts, it represents an opportunity to prove that their emphatic victory over Levante was no fluke. For the visitors, it will be the first official test of a new era that has generated enormous expectations.

Espanyol arrive with confidence, Real Madrid officially begin the Mourinho era, and both sides have plenty of reasons to go all out in search of their first three points.

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