Real Madrid Kicks Off La Liga Campaign with Last-Gasp Win Over Espanyol

Real Madrid achieved a last-gasp victory against Espanyol, winning 2-1 in the second round of La Liga, in a match held at the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat.

The match began with intensity from Real Madrid, who managed to open the scoring early through Jude Bellingham in the ninth minute, after Arda Güler delivered a cross from a direct free kick. Bellingham rose to meet it and powered a header into the net.

Espanyol succeeded in equalizing in the 30th minute through Alex Calatrava, following a well-organized attack that ended with a cross from Xavi Hernandez, which Calatrava met with a shot into the net past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid tried to regain their lead before the end of the first half, with Kylian Mbappé missing several clear scoring opportunities, thanks to a standout performance from Espanyol's goalkeeper, who managed to save his team from multiple dangerous chances.

Real Madrid continued their attempts in the second half in search of a winning goal, but Espanyol's defense and their goalkeeper stood firm against the Royal team's attacks. The goalkeeper particularly shone in denying Kylian Mbappé's efforts.

Real Madrid came close to scoring another goal through Federico Valverde, but his shot hit the bottom of the post. In the 90+1 minute, substitute Carlos Espin scored the winning goal for Real Madrid.