Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Espanyol secure a surprise victory over Real Madrid at the RCDE Stadium

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Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review

Espanyol pulled off a surprising upset in La Liga by defeating league leaders Real Madrid 1-0 at home, allowing them to escape the relegation zone and ending Los Blancos’ streak of five consecutive victories across all competitions. After a 3-0 win in the Champions League earlier in the week, Carlo Ancelotti’s team had been averaging four goals per game during that winning streak, but they struggled to find their rhythm in the early minutes at the RCDE Stadium. Madrid also lost Antonio Rüdiger to injury within the first 15 minutes, and the only shot on target at that point was a powerful attempt from Jofre Carreras, which Thibaut Courtois managed to save.

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Antonio Rudiger down injured on the pitch during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Antonio Rudiger down injured on the pitch during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025.

Real Madrid had a goal in the Espanyol net midway through the first half, but Vinicius Junior’s shot was disallowed due to a foul by Kylian Mbappé on Pol Lozano. Despite dominating possession for most of the first half, the visitors didn’t manage a shot on target until the 39th minute, when Jude Bellingham’s curling effort from 20 yards was easily saved by Joan García. The reigning champions aimed to make García’s job more difficult after halftime, and just eight minutes into the second half, Mbappé missed a chance to score from a rebound after a powerful shot from Bellingham.

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Jude Bellingham in action during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Jude Bellingham in action during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025.

Shortly after, Dani Ceballos forced another save, and Vinicius couldn’t keep a close-range shot from going over the bar. With 15 minutes remaining, the in-form Rodrygo received a pass from Mbappé and skillfully maneuvered through Espanyol’s defense, but his shot hit both García and the post and stayed out. Two minutes later, Mbappé attempted a similar move from the left but was denied by García, who made a full-stretch save.

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Kylian Mbappe in action during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Kylian Mbappe in action during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025.

Manolo González’s team attempted to challenge Madrid with counter attacks, but their advances did not create any significant chances. This changed five minutes before the end when, after clearing a free-kick from Madrid, the home team pushed forward and moved the ball to the right side. There, Omar El Hilali delivered a cross to the far post, which Carlos Romero volleyed into the net. Espanyol managed to hold on through seven minutes of stoppage time to achieve their third home victory in six encounters against Real, whose lead at the top of the table has now been reduced to just one point.

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Espanyol players celebrate during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Review: Espanyol players celebrate during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 01, 2025.

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