Mourinho: Substitutes Won the Match

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho commented on his team's 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their La Liga opener. The Whites secured the win with a late goal from substitute Carlos Espi.

"I believe we deserved the win, but Espanyol didn't deserve to lose. We controlled the game exceptionally well, applied pressure, took many risks, and I think we deservedly won. However, for a team that plays like Espanyol, defending in that manner, counter-attacking so dangerously, and being so organized, it's tough to leave empty-handed. But I repeat: we deserved the victory," stated the Portuguese tactician.

"When we talk about defensive systems, there's one thing that cannot be overlooked – physical fitness. I don't think they had a single player at the World Cup; they've been working together for a long time, and it shows," Mourinho added.

"I didn't even expect Jude to be able to play for so long. There are players who are even further behind, and when it comes to the pressing I like, there's a noticeable lack of game time and experience from joint training sessions. That's why this victory will help us a lot. It was achieved thanks to the bench. A frustrated bench doesn't help with anything, but one with a strong team spirit can help win matches," the royal club's coach concluded.