Real Madrid vs Espanyol Review
Real Madrid rallied from behind to secure a 4-1 win and maintain their unbeaten streak this season, closing the gap to just one point behind league leaders Barcelona. Before the match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Espanyol was in 12th place and had entered the game on a positive note, having achieved consecutive league wins since their promotion.
However, they faced early pressure as Kylian Mbappé was stopped at the back post by Espanyol’s goalkeeper Joan García after receiving a pass from Arda Güler. Mbappé soon lost his footing while trying to convert a well-placed through ball from captain Luka Modrić. To ease the pressure, Espanyol’s captain Javi Puado took a shot from near the halfway line, but Thibaut Courtois, moving back, watched it sail wide.
After halftime, it seemed like the game would remain one-sided when Mbappé’s turning shot tested García, but Espanyol responded impressively with threatening attempts from Jofre Carreras and Carlos Romero, with Courtois stretching to tip Carreras’ shot over the bar. Remarkably, Carreras broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, seizing on García’s precise goal kick and, despite appearing to be out of space at the byline, managed to send a low shot through Courtois’ legs, shocking the home crowd.
This Carlo Ancelotti to substitute Vinícius Júnior for Güler, and it didn’t take long for Real Madrid to equalize. García managed to deflect a powerful shot from Federico Valverde, but Jude Bellingham regained the ball and passed it under the goalkeeper, who could have done better, allowing Dani Carvajal to tap in the rebound. Vinícius then delivered an incredible trivela cross that Rodrygo converted from close range in the 75th minute, disappointing Espanyol. The victory was secured shortly after when Vinícius finished off a beautiful pass from Mbappé.
There was still time for one more goal, as Real Madrid was awarded a penalty after substitute Endrick showcased some impressive skill and was then tackled by Romero. Mbappé took the penalty and scored. This win marked Real Madrid’s 11th consecutive home victory against Espanyol as they prepare for another match at the Bernabéu on Tuesday against Alavés. Meanwhile, Espanyol will face Villarreal at home on Thursday.
