Headline: Real Madrid Starts La Liga Season Strong with Late Victory Against Espanyol
Real Madrid kicked off their 2026-27 La Liga season with a dramatic 2-1 win over Espanyol, showcasing their trademark resilience. Thanks to the efforts of 21-year-old Carlos Espi, the team clinched all three points in a thrilling finish.
Espi’s impactful debut has garnered attention from former striker Joselu, who understands the significance of a traditional No. 9 at the Bernabeu. Joselu expressed his admiration for Espi’s early performances, emphasizing the essential role a physical striker plays in changing the game’s dynamics.
Joselu shared his thoughts on Instagram, saying, “A true number 9 comes onto the pitch and wins the game for Madrid; that’s why these types of players exist.” This sentiment resonates well with the fans and highlights the similarities between Joselu and Espi’s playing styles.
Espi’s attributes as a classic center-forward—his ability to engage center-backs, attack crosses, and convert goal-scoring opportunities—provide a different attacking option compared to the pace of Kylian Mbappe. His presence offers Madrid versatility; it’s clear that not every match will be won through speed alone.
The club made it clear to Espi upon signing that while he would not be guaranteed a starting spot, he would receive significant playing time. Despite Mbappe holding the primary striker position, Espi’s ongoing performance could earn him greater involvement in various match situations, whether as a substitute or in cup competitions.
Joselu, though not the standout star in Madrid’s history, played a crucial role during his time at the club, and Espi could follow a similar path. His remarkable influence in his La Liga debut places him in a promising position. Continued strong performances may eventually catch the eye of the national team selectors, especially with Spain’s need for strikers.
For now, Espi has demonstrated his worth, confirming the reasons behind Jose Mourinho’s decision to bring him to Madrid. With Joselu recognizing his potential, it sets a solid foundation for the young player’s career as he aims to maintain this momentum throughout the season.
Real Madrid have started their 2026-27 La Liga season in typical Madrid fashion, securing a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol.
Jose Mourinho and company have Carlos Espi to thank for securing all three points against the Catalan club, with the 21-year-old enjoying a dream start to his Los Blancos career.
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His immediate impact has already caught the attention of former striker Joselu, who knows exactly how valuable a traditional No. 9 can be at the Bernabeu.
Joselu praises Espi’s profile
Joselu has heaped praise on Espi. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Joselu reacted enthusiastically to Espi’s early performance, highlighting the value of having a physical penalty-box striker who can enter the match and turn it on its head.
“A true number 9 comes onto the pitch and wins the game for Madrid; that’s why these types of players exist,” the Spaniard wrote on his Instagram story, sharing content from his wife.
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She, like everyone else, sees a bit of Joselu in Carlos Espi and the similarities that the two Spaniards can have in terms of roles.
It is an obvious comparison.
Espi is a classic centre-forward who occupies centre-backs, attacks crosses and lives for chances inside the area.
That profile is very different from Kylian Mbappe’s, which gives Jose Mourinho another type of attacking solution.
Not every match will be opened by pace and combination play. Sometimes the game demands a striker who can pin defenders, attack second balls and turn one delivery into a goal.
That is exactly where Espi thrives.
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Jose Mourinho already trusts him
Madrid were clear with Espi when they signed him.
He was not promised a guaranteed starting role, but the club did tell him that he would receive meaningful minutes.
That looks realistic despite Mbappe being the undisputed first-choice striker.
If Espi continues taking his chances, Mourinho will have every reason to use him more often, whether as a late substitute, in cup games or when Madrid need a more direct attacking structure.
On the odd occasion, he might also get a start alongside Mbappe should Mourinho choose to go that way.
The Joselu parallels
Can Espi follow the footsteps of Joselu? (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
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Joselu was never Madrid’s biggest star, but he offered something the squad needed and became decisive in important moments.
Espi could play a similar role.
He must be on cloud nine after his insane impact for Los Blancos on his La Liga debut for the club.
If he continues to perform, the youngster could also break into the Spain squad, where they are not as blessed at striker as they are in other positions.
For now, Espi has achieved something important: he has proven exactly why Jose Mourinho wanted him at Madrid.
If Joselu sees something familiar in him, that is definitely not a bad place to start for Espi, but it is important that he carries this momentum forward through the course of the season.
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