Espi snatches last-gasp 2-1 winner in Real Madrid LaLiga opener
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Real Madrid's Carlos Espi celebrates scoring their second goal with Kylian Mbappe.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Real Madrid took an early lead with Jude Bellingham's header in the ninth minute against Espanyol on Aug 22.
- Espanyol equalised at the half-hour mark through Alex Calatrava after a mistake by Javi Hernandez.
- Substitute Carlo Espi scored a last-minute winner for Real Madrid, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory in the LaLiga opener.
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BARCELONA - Real Madrid's LaLiga start had all the makings of an opening-night stumble until substitute Carlo Espi struck with impeccable timing, firing home in the 90th minute to seal a dramatic 2-1 win at Espanyol on Aug 22.
Real had appeared on course for a smooth start when Jude Bellingham rose highest to send a header inside the near post in the ninth minute from Arda Guler's teasing cross.
Espanyol refused to wilt, however, and levelled on the half-hour when the unmarked Alex Calatrava finished beyond Thibaut Courtois after Javi Hernandez slipped into the area and squared the ball.
Real coach Jose Mourinho made several changes after half-time trying in a bid to break the deadlock and it was Espi, brought on 10 minutes from time, who pounced on a loose ball after Kylian Mbappe was dispossessed and smashed it into the net. REUTERS