The ex-Blackburn winger facing Mourinho and Real Madrid
August 22, 2026 09:44
Tyrhys Dolan, the Manchester-born winger who left Blackburn Rovers last summer to join Espanyol, says he is ready for a high-profile test when Real Madrid visit the RCDE Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 20:30 BST). Dolan opened his second season in Spain by scoring in Espanyol’s 3-0 win over Levante on the opening weekend.
Dolan has framed the match as one of the fixtures every player and supporter wants to be involved in and stressed Espanyol will stick to their usual preparation. He also highlighted the personal progress he feels he has made since moving to Spain.
KEY CONTEXT
- Dolan spent five years with Blackburn before signing for Espanyol last summer and is 24 years old.
- An image caption in the source notes he played 38 games last season across La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
- Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, arrive for what the source describes as their first match of the season.
- Dolan said he could potentially face fellow English players Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold, though he added there would be little time to socialise before kick-off.
WHY IT MATTERS
- The fixture pits Espanyol against one of Europe’s most prominent clubs under a high-profile manager, representing a strong test for Dolan and his team.
- Dolan’s early-season goal and his account of greater responsibility suggest he is taking on a more influential role at Espanyol; how he performs in this match will be an immediate indicator of that progression.
- Espanyol’s approach — maintaining routine and focus rather than overhyping the occasion, as Dolan described — could be decisive against a side he expects to bring their best.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Dolan can replicate his opening-weekend form and have a tangible impact against Real Madrid.
- Whether Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold feature in the match and, if so, whether Dolan will match up against them on the pitch.
- How Espanyol’s executed game plan and Dolan’s increased responsibilities affect the team’s ability to compete for three points.
KEY FACTS
- Dolan is 24 and moved from Blackburn Rovers to Espanyol last summer.
- He scored in Espanyol’s 3-0 opening-weekend win over Levante.
- He made more than 30 appearances last season; an accompanying caption records 38 games across La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
- Real Madrid, coached by José Mourinho, face Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, 20:30 BST.
- Dolan says his decision-making, crossing and assist variety have improved since moving to Spain, and he feels greater responsibility within the squad this season.