Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 in Jose Mourinho’s first game on return

Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge of Real Madrid began with a last-gasp 2-1 victory at Espanyol in La Liga, with substitute Carlos Espi pouncing in the 90th minute to grab the winner.

Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in Los Blancos’ opening fixture of the season on Saturday, and new signing Espi secured the points at the death after Alex Calatrava had levelled against Mourinho’s star-studded team.

Back in charge of Madrid 13 years after leaving, Portuguese veteran Mourinho must bring the dressing room under control after the chaos of last season, and end Spanish champions Barcelona’s domestic dominance.

Mourinho started with superstars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Bellingham, as well as handing debuts to Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate.

Bellingham had an excellent first season at Madrid after arriving from Borussia Dortmund, but the following two were disappointing, both for him and the club, who failed to win a major trophy in either.

Mourinho installed him in attacking midfield with a licence to roam, and the former Birmingham man was heavily involved before his goal as Madrid probed.

The England international netted the first of Mourinho’s second era at the club, heading home Arda Guler’s dangerous crossed free kick.

Espanyol threatened midway through the first half as Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois beat away Clemens Riedel’s drive and Roberto Fernandez hooked over shortly afterwards.