Jose Mourinho began his second spell as Real Madrid manager with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol after debutant Carlos Espi scored a late winner.
Mourinho returned to competitive action with Real on Saturday, more than a decade after his first spell at the Spanish giants ended. His new-look side had to fight for the points after Espanyol recovered from an early setback.
Bellingham gives Real early lead
Real Madrid made the brighter start and took the lead in the ninth minute through Jude Bellingham.
The England midfielder rose to meet Arda Guler’s free-kick and directed his header beyond Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic.
Espanyol responded strongly and levelled in the 30th minute. Summer signing Cala arrived at the far post to convert Javi Hernandez’s cut-back and restore parity.
Real continued to control much of the contest after the break but struggled to turn their possession into a winning goal.
Bellingham came close to restoring the visitors’ lead when Dmitrovic tipped his header onto the crossbar, while Federico Valverde also struck the base of the post with a curling effort.
Espi delivers Mourinho victory
Mourinho turned to his bench in search of a breakthrough, introducing several of Real’s summer arrivals, including Espi, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The changes eventually paid off in the final minute of normal time.
Diomande worked the ball towards Kylian Mbappe inside the penalty area before the ball fell to Espi, who calmly finished to secure a dramatic victory for the visitors.
The 21-year-old forward joined Real from Levante for £21 million and marked his competitive debut in spectacular fashion.
Mourinho, who signed a three-year contract in July, started new arrivals Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva as he began the task of restoring Real’s fortunes.
The club have gone two seasons without a trophy and will hope Mourinho’s return can help them challenge for major honours once again.