Mourinho returns to the ground where his last La Liga title race ended
History enjoys symmetry, and the fixture list occasionally reveals a sense of humour. José Mourinho will begin his second spell as Real Madrid coach at the stadium where, thirteen years ago, his final La Liga title race came to a mathematical end. Barcelona did not even need to play that evening.
Real travelled to Espanyol on 11 May 2013 knowing that only a victory could delay Tito Vilanova’s team from being crowned champions. It was no longer much of a title race. It was simply the final formality, and Madrid failed to complete it.
Espanyol took the lead through Cristhian Stuani following an assist from Sergio García. The hosts should arguably have doubled their advantage when Héctor Moreno headed the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul. According to the retrospective report published by AS, the offence did not exist.
Real responded after the break. Gonzalo Higuaín met Luka Modrić’s free-kick delivery and headed in the equaliser, but a second goal never arrived. The 1–1 draw meant Barcelona became Spanish champions without having to step onto the pitch.
The match reflected the atmosphere surrounding the final weeks of Mourinho’s first spell. Pepe was left out of the squad during the controversy involving the coach and Iker Casillas. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both started on the bench, while Raphaël Varane was forced off through injury.
There was also an unusual detail in goal. Kiko Casilla represented Espanyol, while Diego López started for Real Madrid. Several years later, their club roles would be reversed: Casilla moved to Madrid and López eventually joined Espanyol.
The draw did not help Espanyol qualify for Europe and gave Madrid nothing beyond confirmation that the title race was over. It did, however, begin the celebrations in Barcelona. Six days later, Real lost the Copa del Rey final to Atlético Madrid. Mourinho left the club shortly afterwards.
The Portuguese coach has not managed a team at the RCDE Stadium since that night. He returns now as the man beginning his second Real Madrid project. The setting of the symbolic end to his first spell has become the starting point of the next one.
Espanyol enter the match after opening their campaign with a 3–0 victory over Levante. Mourinho cannot lose the title this time, regardless of the result. He can, however, immediately demonstrate that his new Real Madrid intend to begin differently from the way his previous side finished.
The same coach, the same stadium and a completely different mission. Thirteen years ago, the final whistle in Cornellà triggered celebrations in Barcelona. Mourinho now has the opportunity to create a far more pleasant memory there for Real Madrid.
