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Real Madrid begin 2026-27 La Liga at Espanyol

8/22/2026

47 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Real Madrid open their 2026-27 La Liga campaign away at Espanyol on Saturday, August 22.
Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho returns as Real Madrid coach, his second spell 16 years after his first appointment.
Real Madrid spend €140 million on Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, their most expensive signing.
Opta’s supercomputer assigns Real Madrid a 62.4 % win probability and Espanyol 15.6 %.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 Florentino Pérez broke the world-record transfer by paying €94 million for Cristiano Ronaldo, launching the Second Galácticos spending spree. The following year he hired José Mourinho, whose 2010 tenure built on that investment. Mourinho’s announced return in 2026 echoes that earlier appointment, showing how the club’s high-budget strategy continues to shape its managerial choices.

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Story summary

Real Madrid open their 2026-27 La Liga campaign away at Espanyol on Saturday, August 22.
Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho returns as Real Madrid coach, his second spell 16 years after his first appointment.
Real Madrid spend €140 million on Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, their most expensive signing.
Opta’s supercomputer assigns Real Madrid a 62.4 % win probability and Espanyol 15.6 %.

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