Real Madrid seal La Liga opener with 90th-minute win

Real Madrid have begun their Spanish league campaign with a late victory and an immediate three-point return. Espanyol kept the visitors level for most of the match, but Madrid found the decisive moment in the final minute through a substitute, avoiding an opening-day setback.

Jude Bellingham put Real Madrid ahead in the ninth minute, heading in from Arda Guler’s cross. Espanyol responded before the interval when Alex Calatrava finished after Javi Hernandez sent the ball across the area. The hosts’ resistance lasted until the 90th minute, when Carlos Espe struck after Kylian Mbappe lost possession inside the penalty area. Espe had entered the game 10 minutes earlier, and his finish secured a 2-1 victory.

Jose Mourinho changed several players after half-time as Real Madrid searched for a way back in front. The coach later said Espanyol had competed well and made the result difficult, while describing his team’s win as deserved. He also highlighted the energy and determination supplied by those who came off the bench, with Espe providing the late contribution that settled the opener.