LaLiga: Mourinho demands three points as Real Madrid visit Espanyol

Espanyol sit second with three points from one match ahead of their LaLiga meeting with Real Madrid on August 22. Real Madrid are listed 12th, with zero points after zero matches, as José Mourinho prepares for his first official league game since returning to the club.

Mourinho has made the objective clear before the visit to the RCDE Stadium: Real Madrid must return with all three points. He said Espanyol’s strong start gives them an early advantage, but warned that his players will face immediate problems if they do not match the intensity expected from the opening minute.

The coach said he feels positive excitement rather than pressure ahead of the fixture. He also expressed confidence in the squad’s ambition, attitude and commitment, while acknowledging that the team still has several areas to improve. For Mourinho, the immediate measure remains the result.

Espanyol have gone unbeaten in their five listed matches before the game, recording three wins and two draws. Their sequence includes victories over Pau FC, Olot and Osasuna, alongside draws against Sabadell and Real Sociedad. Real Madrid have won four of their five listed matches, beating Leganes, Athletic Club, Sevilla FC and Oviedo, while their only defeat came against Barcelona.

Mourinho confirmed that Endrick will not travel because of a minor muscle injury. Aurélien Tchouaméni is expected to be introduced gradually as he works back towards full match rhythm, meaning he will not start the Espanyol fixture.

The manager also underlined the wider stakes of the campaign. Real Madrid have three competitions to pursue, as well as another smaller competition, and Mourinho said a season without a trophy would not meet the club’s standards. The first task is to respond at Espanyol and close the early gap in the table.