Real Madrid appeared set for a disappointing start to their Spanish top-flight campaign until substitute Carlos Espi struck in the 90th minute to secure a dramatic 2–1 victory away to Espanyol.
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Madrid looked on course for a comfortable opening when Jude Bellingham rose highest to head home in the ninth minute following a precise cross from Arda Güler.
Espanyol refused to surrender, however, and leveled in the 30th minute. Unmarked Álex Calatrava fired the ball past Thibaut Courtois after Javi Hernández broke into the penalty area and delivered a cross.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho made several changes after halftime in an attempt to restore his side's lead. Espi, who had come on 10 minutes before the final whistle, pounced on a loose ball after Kylian Mbappé lost possession inside the penalty area and fired it powerfully into the net.
Speaking to reporters, Mourinho said: "I think this defeat will be difficult for Espanyol to take. They fought hard, played well and held out until the final moments of the match, but I believe our victory was deserved."
He added: "The victory came thanks to the fighting spirit, resilience and strength we have from the bench. I am happy with the strong desire shown by the players who came off the bench. That is what we need."
Mourinho's new era at Real Madrid appeared to be heading toward an embarrassing setback before Espi, who joined the club from Levante during the summer transfer window, produced the decisive moment.
There had been considerable anticipation surrounding Mourinho's return to Real Madrid, particularly after the club invested heavily in the transfer market in an effort to build a squad capable of taking the La Liga title away from Barcelona, who had won the previous two seasons, while their bitter rivals had been left without silverware.
