Real Madrid 4-1 RCD Espanyol: Los Blancos battle from goal down to put four past visitors
RCD Espanyol's aspirations to achieve their 1,000th victory in top-flight football were thwarted by the current La Liga champions.
Real Madrid, who rallied from behind to secure a 4-1 triumph, maintaining their unbeaten streak this season and closing the gap to just one point behind league leaders Barcelona.
Entering the match at the Santiago Bernabéu in 12th place, Espanyol had gained momentum with consecutive league wins following their promotion.
However, they faced early challenges. Éder Militão opted against shooting when presented with a clear opportunity by his fellow Brazilian Rodrygo, while Kylian Mbappé was thwarted at the back post by Espanyol's goalkeeper, Joan García, after receiving a pass from Arda Güler.
Fran García then tested García with a powerful long-range effort, and the 23-year-old goalkeeper managed to hold onto a fierce shot from Mbappé, who lost his footing while attempting to convert a well-placed through ball from captain Luka Modrić.
In an effort to alleviate the mounting pressure, Espanyol's captain Javi Puado attempted a shot from near the halfway line, but the backpedaling Thibaut Courtois easily watched the ball sail wide.
Following the interval, it appeared that the one-sided nature of the match would persist as Mbappé's shot on the turn challenged García. Nevertheless, Espanyol responded commendably with threatening attempts from Jofre Carreras and Carlos Romero, the former's effort being tipped over the bar by Courtois at full stretch.
Remarkably, Carreras broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, seizing on García's precise goal kick and seemingly running out of space at the byline before executing a low shot that slipped through Courtois' legs, stunning the home supporters.
The unexpected turn of events prompted Carlo Ancelotti to substitute Vinícius Júnior for Güler, and it did not take long for Real Madrid to equalize.
García made a commendable save against a powerful shot from Federico Valverde, but Jude Bellingham quickly regained control of the ball and passed it under the goalkeeper, who could have performed better, allowing Dani Carvajal to score from the rebound.
Many anticipated that Los Blancos would complete their comeback, and although they initially faced challenges in building on the equalizer, Vinícius delivered an extraordinary trivela cross that Rodrygo converted from close range in the 75th minute, leaving Espanyol devastated.
The victory was secured shortly thereafter 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 impressive skill and was subsequently tackled by Romero. Mbappé confidently converted the penalty.
This victory marked Real Madrid's 11th consecutive home win in head-to-head encounters as they prepare for another match at the Bernabéu on Tuesday against the impressive Alavés. Meanwhile, Espanyol will have to wait until Thursday to seek retribution as they face Villarreal.
SportsLigue