Real Madrid laboured to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Espanyol in a pulsating encounter that saw the visitors surrender an early lead before digging deep to snatch the points. Mourinho’s men carved out numerous opportunities but were frequently thwarted by an inspired Dmitrovic, while Valverde saw a second-half effort rattle the woodwork before a late breakthrough finally settled the contest.

Espanyol: The hosts found themselves under the cosh early on and fell behind in the ninth minute when Jude Bellingham rose highest to head home an Arda Guler free-kick. However, the response was swift; in the 29th minute, Alex Calatrava capped a slick passing move by curling a sublime effort into Courtois' top-left corner. After the interval, the Periquitos stood firm, indebted to a string of magnificent saves from Dmitrovic, who produced vital stops to deny both Bellingham and Mbappe. Their resistance held firm until the final moments, when they were finally undone by a late winner.

Real Madrid: Madrid dominated the early exchanges, with Bellingham claiming the first goal of the Mourinho era in emphatic fashion. The England international met Guler's pinpoint delivery to nod the visitors in front. Despite being pegged back, the Madridistas remained relentless in their pursuit of a winner; Mbappe forced Dmitrovic into a spectacular save before Valverde struck the post in the 78th minute. Their persistence eventually paid dividends at the death, as Carlos Espi latched onto an Mbappe pass inside the area and produced a clinical finish to secure a crucial three points and ensure a winning start for Mourinho.

Álex Calatrava

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