Real Madrid 3-1 Espanyol Highlights
Real Madrid’s 3-1 comeback victory against Espanyol not only closed the gap at the top of La Liga to six points, but also extended their impressive home record against the Parakeets to 10 consecutive wins.
Real Madrid’s three-game winless streak continued as they fell behind to an early Joselu goal, scored after Rubén Sánchez expertly controlled a long ball and surged away from Eduardo Camavinga, with the goal marking the first time an Espanyol player had scored at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu since May 2014, adding to the tension in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid were almost two goals down after a slow start but were saved by Thibaut Courtois’ crucial save, and then sparked into action with Vinícius Júnior’s stunning goal as he cut in from the left and evaded three defenders before slotting into the bottom corner, awakening Carlo Ancelotti’s men after a poor start.
Real Madrid’s persistence finally paid off as they breached Espanyol’s rearguard with an impressive outside of the boot cross from Aurélien Tchouaméni to Éder Militão, reminiscent of Luka Modrić, who nodded home from close range to send the reigning champions into the break with a lead.
Real Madrid’s struggles in front of goal continued as they failed to capitalize on their chances, limiting their exploits to efforts from range from Kroos and a free-kick from Rodrygo, while Courtois remained relatively untroubled as Los Blancos held on for a precious three points, secured by a stoppage time strike from Marco Asensio inside the box after being teed up by Dani Ceballos, sealing a 2-0 win for the hosts.
Despite a shaky start, Real Madrid managed to turn the game around and secure a 3-1 win over Espanyol, thanks to goals from Vinícius Júnior, Éder Militão, and Marco Asensio. The victory keeps them in the title race, sitting six points behind league leaders Barcelona.
