Real Madrid secures injury-time win against Espanyol in La Liga opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 9:32 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Real Madrid won 2-1 against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on August 22, 2026. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a header from an Arda Güler free-kick. Espanyol equalized before halftime, but Carlos Espí netted the winner shortly after coming on. The match marked the first time José Mourinho has faced Espanyol in over a decade, leading his team to an opening victory in the La Liga season.
- •Real Madrid led 1-0 at the half after Bellingham's goal.
- •Espanyol equalized before halftime with a low ball into the area.
- •Carlos Espí scored the late winner on his debut.
- •Mourinho returns to managing Espanyol after 13 years.
- •Kylian Mbappé recorded 1.74 xG, but did not score.
- 9:32 PMYahoo Sports — 6 stats from Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid
- 9:26 PMYahoo Sports — Immediate Reaction: Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid
"Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid (Bellingham & Espí). A late win on day one… This is my immediate reaction to the first game. Coming up: Player ratings, interviews and a post game podcast. The 2026/27 season is here, and a trip to Barcelona to face Espanyol was up first for Real Madrid in La Liga. José Mourinho handed […]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 9:32 PM6 stats from Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid
From starting a season to a dream debut
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 9:26 PMImmediate Reaction: Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid
Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid (Bellingham & Espí). A late win on day one… This is my immediate reaction to the first game. Coming up: Player ratings, interviews and a post game podcast. The 2026/27 season is here, and a trip to Barcelona to face Espanyol was up first for Real Madrid in La Liga. José Mourinho handed […]
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