Espanyol – Real Madrid: Los Blancos held at halftime (1-1)

Bellingham opened the scoring before Calatrava capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize.

Europe Today at 16:26

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Espanyol – Real Madrid: Los Blancos held at halftime (1-1)

22.08.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Espanyol

Real Madrid

Dominant in the early stages, Real Madrid gradually lost their grip and head into the dressing room level at the RCDE Stadium.

In their first official match of the 2026-2027 season, Real Madrid are being held by Espanyol (1-1) at halftime. This La Liga clash, played on the turf of Barcelona’s neighbors, FC Barcelona, had started perfectly for José Mourinho’s men.

Descanso en el RCDE Stadium.@Emirates pic.twitter.com/gwqP5rX8A2
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 22, 2026

Bellingham rewards Madrid’s flying start

Pressing high up the pitch, Real suffocated their opponents with an aggressive press. In the 9th minute, Arda Güler whipped in a set-piece to the near post, finding Jude Bellingham’s head. The Englishman timed his run perfectly to score the first official goal of the Mourinho era, leaving Marko Dmitrović with no chance.

Espanyol, however, gradually clawed their way back. In the 29th minute, Javi Hernández exploited the space on the left flank to deliver a low cross. Left unmarked at the near post, Álex Calatrava finished first-time with his left foot, beating Thibaut Courtois. The equalizer highlighted Madrid’s struggles to protect the areas behind their initial line of pressing.

Mbappé still frustrated at the RCDE Stadium

Real regained control before halftime, but Kylian Mbappé couldn’t convert any of his three chances. The Catalan keeper and defense thus extended Mbappé’s drought at the RCDE Stadium, where the Frenchman is still searching for his first goal.

José Mourinho may now turn to Yan Diomandé. The Ivorian, who surprisingly started on the bench despite being tipped to start, could add pace and width against Espanyol’s compact block. After two seasons without La Liga, Copa del Rey, or Champions League silverware, Madrid cannot afford to begin this new campaign with a misstep.