Real Madrid secured a victory in their opening LaLiga match of the season under manager Jose Mourinho after substitute Carlos Espi scored a late winner.
The Spanish giants struggled for fitness following a shortened pre-season campaign, fading after an encouraging opening 20 minutes before securing all three points.
Mourinho acknowledged that the squad lacked physical sharpness compared to their opponents, which directly impacted their ability to maintain high-intensity pressing across the 90 minutes.
He explained that the team lost strength, tactical order, and continuity as the match progressed, noting that players still lack necessary minutes and conditioning to execute his preferred style.
The Portuguese head coach praised the collective spirit of his squad, highlighting the decisive contribution of the five substitutes who entered in the second half.
Mourinho stated that managing a game with 12 players on the bench is challenging due to potential squad frustration, but emphasized that unity among the substitutes helped secure a victory with soul.
Midfield Setup and Bellingham Role
Real Madrid's midfield remains the primary area requiring tactical adjustments as Mourinho works to integrate his central players into a balanced system.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham was deployed in an advanced position close to the opposition penalty area, where he scored and applied pressure on rival defenders.
Mourinho emphasized that Bellingham belongs near the opposition goal, explaining that moving the midfielder deeper would diminish his natural scoring threat and chance creation.
Portuguese international Bernardo Silva struggled to control the tempo from central midfield, while Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde was left fatigued by heavy defensive work.
Valverde was forced to hold a disciplined position alongside Silva, restricting his forward runs into attacking areas.
Mourinho acknowledged the tactical complexity of balancing his midfielders, adding that building team chemistry while continuing to win matches remains the immediate priority.
Carlos Espi Fills Striker Void
Young Spanish striker Carlos Espi proved decisive by scoring right at the final whistle to break the deadlock and secure the win for Real Madrid.
Espi occupies a traditional center-forward role that had remained vacant in the squad following the departure of veteran striker Joselu.
Mourinho revealed that the club analyzed and signed Espi after realizing academy forward Gonzalo could complete a transfer to English Premier League side Fulham.
The manager shared that he currently lives alongside Espi, defender Marc Cucurella, and his coaching staff at Real Madrid's Valdebebas residential complex, sharing daily meals together.
Mourinho commended Espi's work ethic ahead of the striker's official club presentation, describing him as a dedicated worker who capitalizes on loose balls inside the penalty area.
Vinicius Junior and Mbappe Attack
French forward Kylian Mbappe created several individual chances throughout the match, whereas Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior struggled to impact play or generate scoring opportunities.
Developing tactical compatibility between Mbappe and Vinicius stands as one of Mourinho's central tasks as the season progresses.
Mourinho strongly criticized the physical treatment Vinicius receives from opposing defenders, claiming rival teams employ a structured rotation of fouls against the Brazilian.
He noted that defenders take turns fouling Vinicius so that one player receives a yellow card before another takes over, causing significant mental frustration for the winger.
Addressing potential scrutiny over past comments made when coaching rival clubs, Mourinho stated that Vinicius is now his player and urged him to exercise caution during goal celebrations.
Left Back Position Battle
Spanish defender Alvaro Carreras earned the starting spot at left back due to greater pre-season match fitness, though his performance faded over the course of the game.
Substitute Marc Cucurella replaced Carreras in the second half, providing immediate energy, defensive solidity, and offensive balance down the left flank.
Mourinho dismissed suggestions of an ongoing selection dilemma at left back, stating that the competition for the role was resolved by the contrasting physical conditions of the two defenders.
