MADRID, Aug. 25 — Jose Mourinho returns to the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid coach on Wednesday when his side hosts Real Sociedad in a delayed La Liga opening-round match.
The game could also see Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomande and Denzel Dumfries make their home debuts, but much of the attention at the Bernabeu could fall on Carlos Espi.
The young striker has quickly won over supporters since his arrival, scoring in preseason before netting the winner in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Espanyol.
“I’ve slept very little,” Espi admitted during his official presentation. “When I scored the goal, everyone was there in the corner. It was incredible that they were all with me and so happy for me.”
“The truth is these have been incredible days, but I’m already thinking about Wednesday and experiencing the atmosphere at the Bernabeu, which is amazing, and I can’t wait to step onto the pitch,” he added.
Real Sociedad began its season with a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis.
Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo will be without wingers Ander Barrenetxea, Goncalo Guedes and midfielder Jon Gorrotxategi because of injury.
It remains unclear whether Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal will start or begin the game on the bench. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
