Real Madrid came from behind to beat Espanyol 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to take all three points. After falling behind early in the second half, the home side showcased their attacking prowess and determination with Vinicius JR, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe all on the scoresheet.
Real Madrid dominated the possession in the first half but failed to capitalize on the chances. Arda Guler’s left-footed shot was beautifully saved by Joan who was having a game of his life in the first half. The 23-year-old kept the formidable frontline of Real Madrid at bay throughout the first 45 minutes to bring his side level at halftime.
In the second half, Garcia, who won the gold medal with Spain at the Paris Olympics, started an attack with a long pass from his box that ended with an own goal by counterpart Thibaut Courtois in the 54th minute initiated an attack with a long pass from his own box, which culminated in an own goal by his counterpart Thibaut Courtois in the 54th minute.
Los Blancos, however, provided a swift response with Dani Carvajal slotting home from close range to bring his side level. Vinicius was rested in the first half as Carlo Ancelotti rotated his attacking lineup, but the coach brought on the Brazilian forward right after Espanyol took the lead. Vinicius quickly made an impact, delivering a flawless cross with the outside of his left boot that Rodrygo converted in the 75th minute.
Vinicius then scored himself after the Espanyol defense lost the ball in their own half, gifting the hosts their third goal. Kylian Mbappé joined the party in the final minutes slotting home from a penalty kick.
🏁 @RealMadrid 4-1 @RCDEspanyol
⚽ 54' Thibaut Courtois (p. p.)
⚽ 58' @DaniCarvajal92
⚽ 75' @RodrygoGoes
⚽ 78' @ViniJr
⚽ 90' @KMbappe (p.)#RealMadridEspanyol | @emirates pic.twitter.com/TACrektDjg— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 21, 2024
“We played better than in other matches, with more rhythm and generating more chances. Our defensive recovery was solid, and we pressed well after losing possession. Bit by bit, we are getting back to our best. I am happy with the dynamic we showed today.” Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said after the game.
Real Madrid’s unbeaten streak in La Liga, now extending to 38 matches, highlights their remarkable consistency. Ancelotti admitted that despite injuries and occasional form struggles from key players, the team continues to find ways to grind out important wins.
“We have now gone 38 games unbeaten, and that shows we are doing things very well,” he added. “This season, we have only scored one goal in the first half. I spoke to the players about it before the match to see if we could change that, but it didn’t happen. Still, we played with more intensity today.”
Ancelotti’s side are now a point behind league leaders Barcelona. However, Hansi Flick’s team does have a game in hand which they will play against Villareal on Sunday.
Real Madrid will play Deportivo Alavés in their next La Liga fixture on Tuesday at the Bernabeu.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
