(Credit - Diario AS)
Bellingham Strikes Early as Mourinho Begins Second Real Madrid Tenure
Jude Bellingham scored a ninth-minute header to give Real Madrid a 1-0 lead against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on August 22, 2026. The early goal provided immediate momentum for Madrid supporters watching José Mourinho take charge of his first official match back on the Real Madrid bench.
Güler’s Set-Piece Precision Delivers Early Breakthrough
Bellingham converted a lateral free-kick delivered by Arda Güler, rising to beat Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic with a precise header. The English midfielder started the match despite arriving with limited match fitness, rewarding Mourinho’s selection within the opening ten minutes.
Real Madrid controlled the initial tempo, circulating possession through Bernardo Silva while Federico Valverde captained the side alongside Espanyol skipper Edu Expósito. Espanyol attempted to push forward early, but lateral defender El Hilali was caught offside on a key forward run. Physical exchanges surfaced quickly, including a second-minute clash where Calatrava pushed Vinicius Junior to the turf before kicking him in the back. Referee Sánchez Martínez later issued a verbal warning to Espanyol manager Manolo González following another foul on Vinicius.
Madrid pressed for a second goal through repeated breaks down the right flank. Güler set up Kylian Mbappé following a ball recovery by Denzel Dumfries, but Espanyol central defender Riedel intercepted the cross before the French striker could finish. Mbappé tested Dmitrovic shortly after with a central shot from the edge of the box, while Dumfries forced another save in the 20th minute when his low cross-shot took a deflection off Hinojo.
This fixture marks Mourinho’s official return to the Real Madrid dugout for his second managerial spell at the club.
