Real Madrid began their La Liga campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Espanyol, with young striker Carlos Espi scoring the decisive goal in the final minute.

Madrid made a fast start and took the lead in the 9th minute, when Jude Bellingham scored a superb header following an assist from Arda Güler.

Espanyol responded in the 30th minute, with Alex Calatrava finding the equaliser to make it 1–1. Neither side could find another goal before the break, sending the teams into half-time level.

Both teams created opportunities after the restart, but the decisive moment came in the closing stages.

Second-half substitute Carlos Espi produced the match-winning moment in the final minute, scoring to give Real Madrid a dramatic 2–1 victory and all three points on the opening day.

Bellingham was rewarded for his influential performance by being named Man of the Match, despite Espi ultimately stealing the headlines with his late winner.

The victory also gives José Mourinho a winning start in his second spell as Real Madrid manager, with the Portuguese coach beginning his return to the Santiago Bernabéu dugout with three points.