Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, with debutant Carlos Espí scoring in the 90th minute. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a header from Arda Güler, and Calatrava equalised before halftime.
First half
Bellingham scored in the 7th minute with a header from Güler, becoming Real Madrid’s first goal of the season. Calatrava responded in the 35th minute with a shot from inside the box, leveling the score 1-1. Espanyol displayed solid defence and created several chances, but goalkeeper Dmitrovic kept the net clean.
Second half
Real Madrid struggled to create clear chances in the second half. Valverde hit the post and Bellingham headed again without success. José Mourinho introduced Cucurella and Diomandé, but the white side barely created opportunities.
In the 90th minute, Carlos Espí, who debuted with the white shirt, moved ahead of Dmitrovic on a split ball and drove the ball into the net after a play by Mbappé in the area. Espí’s goal gave Real Madrid the 2-1 victory.
Substitutions and key moments
- Real Madrid: Bellingham, Dumfries and Bernardo were replaced by Trent, Carlos Espí and Camavinga. Cucurella and Diomandé entered in the second half.
- Espanyol: Edu Expósito was substituted for Jofre. Riedel and Calatrava were replaced by Bauzá and Drkusic.
- The referee issued a yellow card to Edu Expósito for a foul on Vinicius.
The Portuguese manager José Mourinho used the press conference to denounce what he considers repeated harassment towards the Brazilian footballer, though the player’s name is not mentioned.
The result leaves Real Madrid with three points in La Liga and Espanyol without points after the defeat.
