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RCD Espanyol de Barcelona v Real Madrid - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27Getty Images Sport

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A disappointing start: Real Madrid star frustrates Mourinho in his first task

José Mourinho struggled to hide his frustration with Trent Alexander-Arnold during Real Madrid's match against Espanyol yesterday.

The Portuguese took charge of an official Real Madrid game for the first time in 4,380 days when they travelled to face Espanyol.

Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the ninth minute. The hosts hit back through Àlex Calatrava in the 30th.

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With Real Madrid pushing for the win in the second half, Mourinho brought on former Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold in place of Denzel Dumfries, 10 minutes before the end.

Five minutes later, the full-back tried to switch play to Vinícius Júnior. He misplaced the pass and sent it straight out of play.

According to The Sun, Mourinho stayed in his seat but waved his arms in frustration.

Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson said of the match: "That has not helped Alexander-Arnold in any way, that's for sure."

Lead commentator Ian Darke added: "That looked like an expression of mild disgust."

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Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid last year to become the long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.

His first season at the Bernabéu did not go as planned, though, and the club felt the need to sign right-back Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan.

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