Carlos Espi made an immediate impact for Real Madrid, scoring the goal that secured a 2-1 victory over Espanyol while several of the club’s other new arrivals endured less convincing debuts.
The match, played on Saturday in the second round of La Liga, was the first competitive test for Real Madrid’s six summer signings. However, according to Toni Monar, a writer for the Catalan newspaper Sport, the overall display suggested Jose Mourinho’s side still have considerable work to do before reaching the level expected of them.
Mourinho handed starts to three of the newcomers: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva.
Of that trio, Konate made the strongest impression. The France defender looked powerful, quick and decisive in his defensive duels, providing the kind of assured performance Real Madrid will have wanted from a new central defender.
Dumfries and Silva, by contrast, were unable to produce the level many supporters had expected. The partnership between Silva and Federico Valverde in central midfield did not yet appear to be the ideal solution.
Silva worked tirelessly and covered a great deal of ground, but Espanyol repeatedly found space through the middle of the pitch. As the Portugal midfielder began to feel the physical demands of the game during the first half, Real Madrid’s intensity fell away. Their press became less effective and the distances between the team’s lines increased.
The situation improved for Silva late in the match. Espanyol dropped deeper and concentrated on closing down the available space, which allowed the Portuguese player to find greater comfort and influence on the pitch.
As the contest became more difficult, Mourinho turned to the three remaining new signings in an effort to find a winning goal. Marc Cucurella and Ousmane Diomande, however, were unable to make a significant difference.
Cucurella spent most of his time in Espanyol’s half, constantly looking for an opportunity to appear at the far post. That chance never arrived. Diomande, meanwhile, struggled to beat the defenders during the minutes he was given.
Arda Guler appears to have made Diomande’s route into the starting XI even more difficult. The Turkey international produced an impressive performance on the right flank and strengthened his own claim for a regular place in the team.
Espi proved to be the most influential of Real Madrid’s new arrivals. The former Levante striker needed only a limited number of touches to open his account for the club, scoring the goal that earned Real Madrid all three points.
Monar described Espi as a forward well suited to this type of match, highlighting his physical strength, intelligence and considerable ability in front of goal. His decisive finish sent a clear message to the other attackers competing for places and showed that he can deliver at the crucial moment, despite facing strong competition from forwards with much bigger reputations.
