Mourinho's return
Jose Mourinho's second spell as Real Madrid manager officially begins on Saturday, August 22, when the club faces Espanyol at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona (9:30pm local time, 19:30 GMT). The Portuguese coach returns 16 years after his first appointment, charged with a similar task: deposing Barcelona as the leading club in Spain.
Mourinho's first stint, from 2010 to 2013, followed a two-year trophy drought and produced one La Liga title and three Champions League semifinals. Now, after two consecutive seasons without a major trophy, president Florentino Perez has turned back to him. The coach acknowledges he has changed since then. "I'm much more mature, less emotional, and more in control… as always, learning from mistakes," he said. He also stated that he is at Real Madrid "to create a culture of work, responsibility, ambition."
The appointment came after a period of instability. According to Al Jazeera, none of Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, or Alvaro Arbeloa could balance the team's attacking stars—Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham—without compromising defensively. Last season, Xabi Alonso was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa mid-season, a move described as a coaching fiasco.
New signings and a record fee
Real Madrid welcomed six new faces this summer: Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Carlos Espi. The most notable arrival is 19-year-old Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, who joined from RB Leipzig. Reports on his fee differ: some sources cite a deal worth up to 140 million euros ($163 million), while others mention around 125 million euros, making him the second most expensive summer signing. Sports Illustrated noted that if all bonuses are met, Diomande would surpass Jude Bellingham as the most expensive player in club history. Al Jazeera reported the fee as 140 million euros, calling it his record signing, but also suggested the cost could be considered excessive given rival suitors dropped out.
Diomande's path to Madrid has been unusual. Al Jazeera reported that he was discovered in northern Florida by Leganes after being passed over in MLS tryouts, then burst onto the scene with RB Leipzig and starred for Ivory Coast in the World Cup. He is described as resembling a dynamic younger version of Vinicius Junior, capable of playing on either wing.
Other signings fill specific needs. Marc Cucurella replaces Ferland Mendy at left back, bringing guile and tactical savvy. Denzel Dumfries, a physical right back with two Serie A titles and two Champions League finals with Inter, offers an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold. Bernardo Silva provides composure in midfield, filling the need since Luka Modric's departure. Ibrahima Konate adds physicality and recovery ability, potentially challenging Huijsen and Rudiger for a starting spot. Carlos Espi, standing 6-foot-4, scored 11 goals for Levante last season and fits Mourinho's conception of a number-9 role, according to Al Jazeera.
Not all expected transfers materialized. Al Jazeera reported that fans had hoped for high-profile arrivals like Bastoni, Hakimi, Olise, Vitinha, and Rodri, but they did not happen. Rodri, in particular, joined Barcelona instead. The club also let Nico Paz go to Como and Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham, while keeping Endrick, who was loaned to Lyon after a 47.5 million euro transfer from Palmeiras and scored five goals, including a hat-trick against Metz.
Diomande on the bench
Despite his hefty price tag, Diomande was not named in the starting lineup for the opener. Mourinho chose Arda Guler as the right winger instead. Sports Illustrated reported that Diomande was left out of the starting XI, a decision that prompted speculation. The teenager had made only one preseason appearance, playing 29 minutes in a 3-0 win over Schalke, his first action since Ivory Coast crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 32. A lack of match fitness, along with his age and inexperience, likely played a role.
Mourinho gave little away in his prematch press conference, but he has emphasized rotation. "I don't want to have an ideal lineup. I want to keep the door open to competition because there are so many matches," he said. Diomande was listed among the substitutes and could make his debut in the second half.
Mbappe and the attacking puzzle
Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead the attack, coming off a strong World Cup with France, where he scored 10 goals. Last season, he totalled 42 goals for Madrid. The challenge of fitting Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham into the same team was a key topic. Mourinho acknowledged the difficulty: "They are incredible players and incredible players want to play with incredible players. Top players have frustration when they play with teammates who are not top. The best want to play with the best. After the tactical adjustments, it might be a little bit more difficult."
Bellingham's role has been significant. He scored 10 goals in his first 12 La Liga games in 2023 but tailed off thereafter. He also scored seven goals for England in the World Cup, showing leadership. For the opener, Bellingham was expected to start on the bench, with his match fitness being assessed before the fixture.
Team news and expected lineups
Real Madrid have several absentees for the match. Aurelien Tchouameni misses out due to a muscle problem, as do Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick, according to Al Jazeera. The confirmed starting XI, as reported by Sports Illustrated, is a 4-2-3-1 formation: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Carreras; Silva, Valverde; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe. This lineup differs from an earlier predicted XI that included Cucurella and Brahim Diaz, as noted in contested reports.
Espanyol, who finished 11th last season and beat Levante 3-0 in their opening fixture, will be without Kike Garcia (hamstring), Javi Puado (knee), and Leandro Cabrera (suspended), with Edu Exposito facing a late fitness test.
History and prediction
This is the 202nd meeting between the clubs, with Real Madrid winning 119 times to Espanyol's 46. Madrid won both La Liga meetings last season. The Opta supercomputer gives Real Madrid a 62.4% win probability, compared to Espanyol's 15.6%. The first Clasico of the season, against Barcelona, is scheduled for late October.
Mourinho's first spell was defined by his rivalry with Pep Guardiola, and he won the 2011-12 La Liga title with a record 100 points. Now, with a revamped squad and a second chance, he aims to restore Madrid's intensity and end the trophy drought.