Mourinho's return to Real Madrid has been highly anticipated, with the team securing a 2-1 victory over Espanyol. The winning goal was scored by Carlos Espí in the 90th minute, securing victory for Mourinho on his second coming. Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham started the match together, with Bellingham scoring the first goal from a dead ball after 9 minutes. Espanyol equalised the score with a goal from Alex Calatrava, but Real Madrid had more chances to score. Mourinho remained composed when Bellingham scored the first goal, and he watched the action unfold from the touchline, shouting encouragement towards the substitutes.
Mourinho's return to Real Madrid has been long-awaited, with the president having longed for his return. The World Cup is now out of the way, and there are no other priorities on the horizon. Mourinho noted that Brazil, France, and England had found a way to get the best out of Vinícius, Mbappé, and Bellingham, but that getting the best of all three is different.