Espanyol 1–2 Real Madrid: 2026/27 La Liga Match Recap

Real Madrid began the 2026/27 La Liga campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. Jude Bellingham gave Madrid an early advantage before Álex Calatrava equalised for the hosts. Carlos Espí then came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 90th minute, giving José Mourinho a winning return to the Real Madrid dugout.

BY TECHM STUDIOS
|
AUG 23, 2026
|
UPDATED: AUG 23, 2026
|
0 COMMENTS

Match Summary

La Liga - Espanyol 1–2 Real Madrid (PREVIEW)

Match Recap

Bellingham opened the scoring in the 9th minute, heading home from an Arda Güler cross following a set-piece situation. Espanyol responded strongly and levelled in the 30th minute through Calatrava, who finished a quick attacking move.

Madrid controlled much of the second half but found Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović difficult to beat. Federico Valverde also struck the woodwork before Mourinho's substitutions ultimately proved decisive. Espí, introduced late in the match, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area and fired home in the 90th minute to seal all three points. The result gave Madrid a winning start despite a performance that left plenty of room for improvement.

Goal Scorers

9' — Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), assisted by Arda Güler
30' — Álex Calatrava (Espanyol)
90' — Carlos Espí (Real Madrid)

Match Statistics

Statistic	Espanyol	Real Madrid
Goals	1	2
Expected goals (xG)	1.12	2.92
Possession	37%	63%
Total shots	8	21
Shots on target	3	8
Shots blocked	1	6
Shots inside the box	5	15
Shots outside the box	3	6
Hit woodwork	0	2
Big chances created	1	1
Big chances missed	1	2
Corners	0	8
Accurate passes	271 (83%)	509 (92%)
Duels won	37	64
Saves	6	2
Fouls committed	19	7

Key Takeaways

Late winner: Carlos Espí scored in the 90th minute, only around ten minutes after coming on, to secure Madrid's victory.
Bellingham strikes early: The England midfielder headed Madrid into a ninth-minute lead after an Arda Güler delivery.
Madrid dominated the ball: Real Madrid enjoyed 63% possession and completed 509 accurate passes compared with Espanyol's 271.
Greater attacking threat: Madrid registered 21 shots to Espanyol's eight and finished with a 2.92–1.12 advantage in xG.
Dmitrović kept Espanyol in the game: The Espanyol goalkeeper made six saves, helping the hosts remain level for much of the second half.
Mourinho's winning return: The victory marked José Mourinho's successful competitive return as Real Madrid head coach.