Mourinho Returns With 2-1 Win as Carlos Espí Strikes Late Against Espanyol

Substitute Carlos Espí scored in the 90th minute to secure a 2-1 victory for José Mourinho in his first game back as Real Madrid manager.

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, marking a successful return for manager José Mourinho. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring for the visitors in the ninth minute with a header, but Álex Calatrava equalized for the hosts before the halftime whistle. The match remained deadlocked until the 90th minute when substitute Carlos Espí utilized a smart finish inside the six-yard box to claim all three points for Madrid.

Following the result, Mourinho addressed the treatment of Vinícius Júnior, stating the Brazilian star is being "bullied" by both opponents and the public. The winger was involved in several incidents, including an unpunished foul by Calatrava in the opening stages and a subsequent yellow card following a dispute with the same player. Mourinho noted that the opposition tactics involved a "format" where players took turns fouling the winger to avoid individual repercussions.

Mourinho Defends Vinícius Júnior Against Bullying

In his postmatch news conference, Mourinho emphasized that while Vinícius is not a "saint," the level of provocation he faces is excessive. The manager observed that the targeting of the player began in the first minute of the match. He expressed frustration that despite modern society being in an "anti-bullying" era, the treatment of his forward suggests a "bullying era" persists within soccer.

Mourinho revealed he instructed Vinícius to maintain emotional control and to be cautious with goal celebrations to ensure he remains on the pitch. The coach described the constant cycle of tactical fouls from one opponent after another as a deliberate strategy intended to provoke the Madrid attacker.

Bellingham and Mbappé Impact

The victory served as Mourinho’s first match in charge since being rehired for a second stint, 13 years after his initial departure in 2013. During his first tenure from 2010 to 2013, he led the club to a LaLiga title and a Copa del Rey trophy. Mourinho praised the physical and mental strength of Jude Bellingham, who started the match despite only returning to preseason training last week following his summer performance with England.

Addressing the chemistry of his squad, Mourinho dismissed concerns that Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Bellingham are incompatible. He highlighted that all three players had a significant impact during the World Cup. The manager specifically noted his preference for playing Bellingham close to the goal to maximize his scoring potential, stating that the team loses his effectiveness when he is positioned as a No. 6 or No. 8 midfielder.

Tactical Adjustments and Upcoming Fixture

Mourinho admitted he had initial doubts about whether to start Bellingham or introduce him as a substitute. He emphasized the player's connection with the forwards as a vital component of the team's attacking structure. The squad also received advice from former players, with Yan Diomande noting that Didier Drogba had warned him about the necessity of working hard under Mourinho’s leadership at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid will now prepare for their first home game of the season at the Bernabéu. They are scheduled to host Real Sociedad on Wednesday. The team enters that fixture with three points following Espí's late-game heroics and the early contribution from Bellingham.