Espanyol Barcelona have taken three much-needed points against Real Madrid in the relegation battle. In doing so, the league leaders’ winning streak was snapped – along with their patience: the scorer of the golden goal should not have been allowed to remain on the field.
Of the last eleven competitive matches, Real Madrid had won ten. In the last five, they had scored at least three goals in each game. More in form? That’s hard.
Somewhat surprisingly, the recovered Alaba did not make his comeback in the starting eleven. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had recently said that the Austrian was “very close” to playing from the start. But again, Tchouameni and Rüdiger started.
The latter had started the game with a bandaged left thigh, but after about a quarter of an hour, he was holding the back of his right thigh. However, it was not Alaba who came on for the German, but Raul.
Real hits the post twice
After Jofre’s first chance for Espanyol (19th minute), Vinicius Junior went close to putting the ball in the net on the opposite side. However, the celebrations lasted only briefly: referee Alejandro Munoz Ruiz had spotted a clear push by Mbappé against Pol Lozano (22nd minute).
The Whites showed patience, spread the play, shifted and observed. However, Espanyol stood firm defensively – with former Schalke and Berlin player Kral in the midfield center – and earned the draw at half time.
The second half began lively. Left-back Romero initially missed a great chance for the hosts (50′), before Real created a double chance for Bellingham and Mbappé (52′). Espanyol’s goalkeeper saved both attempts and was lucky with the second, with the help of the post.
The favorites then turned up the heat – and were annoyed by a controversial decision: Romero was only yellow-carded for a sliding tackle from behind on Mbappé – the VAR did not intervene (61′). But the Blancos were quickly able to convert their anger into energy, as Bellingham’s shot (76th, just wide), Rodrygo’s next shot on the post (77th) and Mbappé’s firm shot (78th) proved every minute.
But in the end, the winner was Espanyol – because Real blew a glorious counterattack. Substitute Roca shifted to the right, from where El Hilali crossed to the second post. Romero – of all people – rushed in and pushed into the far corner (85′).
The victorious Catalans will next be guests on Sunday (6:30 p.m.) at Real Sociedad with a lot of momentum. Once they have completed their cup task at CD Leganes on Wednesday (9pm CET), the Whites have a tough game on Saturday (9pm CET): Atletico, who are now just one point behind in the table, are coming to the Santiago Bernabéu. More top-flight action? It’s hard to come by.
