Real Madrid continued their flawless start to the La Liga season with a commanding 2-0 win over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The victory saw them extend their lead at the top of the league standings, remaining five points ahead of defending champions Barcelona, who play their match against Getafe on Sunday.
French superstar Kylian Mbappé was once again the hero for Los Blancos, scoring his fifth goal of the season to seal the victory. Eder Militao opened the scoring for Madrid in the 22nd minute with a stunning long-range drive, and Mbappé doubled the advantage early in the second half with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Madrid’s new head coach, Xabi Alonso, who is yet to lose a match in his first five league games, made key changes, bringing Vinicius Junior back into the side and giving young striker Gonzalo Garcia a rare start. The tactical adjustments seemed to pay off, with Vinicius playing a vital role in setting up Mbappé’s goal. The Brazilian’s drive forward and precise pass allowed Mbappé to rifle home, effectively putting the game beyond reach for Espanyol.
Despite their best efforts, Espanyol, who came into the game in third place, struggled to keep up with Madrid’s tempo. The visitors were unable to break down Madrid’s solid defense, and it was clear they had met their match. Espanyol have not beaten Real Madrid at the Bernabéu since 1996, and this encounter did little to improve their dismal record in the Spanish capital.
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One of the highlights of the match was Militao’s goal. His long-range effort, which rifled into the top left corner, broke the deadlock and showcased his impressive shooting ability from distance. It was a much-needed strike as Madrid had been creating chances but had yet to find the back of the net.
Madrid’s dominance was evident throughout the match, and they could have added a third had Vinicius not hit the post after a fine double save from Espanyol’s goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic. Nonetheless, the win further cements their position as the team to beat in La Liga.
Alonso’s squad remains undefeated across all competitions, and with the likes of Jude Bellingham making his long-awaited return after shoulder surgery, Madrid’s season is shaping up to be one to remember. Their perfect start gives them momentum heading into the Champions League and the rest of their league campaign.
Espanyol, while performing admirably this season, will have to regroup and focus on the challenges ahead. Despite the loss, they will take solace in their strong early season form and will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture.
