Jude Bellingham had given the visitors an early lead before Álex Calatrava equalised for the hosts. Espí, introduced late in the contest, then struck in the final minute to secure the three points on José Mourinho’s return to the Real Madrid dugout.
Real Madrid made a strong start and took the lead in the ninth minute. Arda Güler delivered a precise free-kick into the box and Bellingham rose highest to head the ball past the goalkeeper, giving Mourinho’s side the perfect opening to the new season.
Espanyol responded positively and levelled the score in the 30th minute. A well-worked move ended with Javi Hernández providing the cut-back for Calatrava, who finished calmly to make it 1-1. The home side continued to compete effectively and restricted Real Madrid’s clear chances for much of the first half.
After the interval Real Madrid increased the pressure and created a series of opportunities. They dominated possession and forced Espanyol deeper, but the equaliser continued to elude them until the closing stages. Mourinho made changes in an effort to find a breakthrough, including the introduction of Espí.
The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute. Following a scramble in the Espanyol penalty area involving Kylian Mbappé, the ball fell to Espí, who reacted quickly to fire home from close range and secure the victory.
The late goal ensured Real Madrid collected all three points from a competitive away fixture. Espanyol will feel disappointed after matching their opponents for long periods, yet the result leaves Mourinho with a winning start to his second spell in charge.
Real Madrid will take confidence from the character shown to claim the win, while Espanyol can take positives from their performance despite the late setback. Both sides now turn their attention to the next round of La Liga fixtures.