Video: Bellingham scores first goal of second Jose Mourinho era

Real Madrid have got their season underway on Saturday with a trip to Espanyol, which is also their first match with Jose Mourinho as manager in 13 years. It has started well, with them having broken the deadlock inside the opening 10 minutes at the RCDE Stadium.

Mourinho’s first team selection saw him give starts to some players that went deep at the 2026 World Cup, while others were not risked. Aurelien Tchouameni, who was in action for France, is not involved at all, although this is due to a minor injury, which is also the case for forward Endrick. Jude Bellingham is one that received the nod, and on nine minutes, he is the one that has made the difference in this La Liga opener in Catalonia.

Vinicius Junior won a foul on the left wing, which allowed Arda Guler to deliver the free-kick into the box. Bellingham won the header, and it flew past Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic for the first goal of the second Mourinho era.

It has been a promising start from Real Madrid, who are keen to start the season with three points. Mourinho has been drafted in to ensure that significant improvements are made from the previous two campaigns, and although it is only very early, there is reasons for optimism for the Madridistas across the world.

Mourinho and Real Madrid will want more goals

All that matters for Real Madrid is a win at Espanyol, although it’s clear that Mourinho will be after more goals in this one. He will want a stylist victory in his second debut as head coach, and the early signs show that Los Blancos will be a very serious attacking threat under the Portuguese’s tutelage, although they must also be solid in defence if they are to secure the victory.