Real Madrid are continuing to keep in touch with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga standings. Despite a scare, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have come through against Espanyol, winning 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
2024/2025 La Liga
4-1
Match Report
The hosts went absolutely dominant in the first half, but thanks to poor finishing from Kylian Mbappe, they were unable to find a breakthrough. That was significant, as Espanyol went into a shock lead on 54 minutes, as Thibaut Courtois diverted Jofre Carreras’ cutback into his own net.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, they managed to find a quickfire response. Jude Bellingham’s effort was not held by Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, and this gifted a goal to Dani Carvajal, as he could not miss from a yard out.
15 minutes later, the comeback was complete. Vinicius Junior came off the bench to be the difference maker for Real Madrid – first, he supplied an outrageous trivela pass to set up Rodrygo Goes to make it 2-1, before adding the third goal himself only a few minutes later.
In the dying stages, Mbappe did get his goal, which came from the penalty spot after Endrick Felipe was fouled. That capped off a fine late resurgence from Real Madrid, who close to within one point of Barcelona – they play on Sunday against Villarreal.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
0' Highlight from Real Madrid vs Espanyol
7' Jude Bellingham is feeling pain on his shoulder but he's able to continue
10' CLOSE! Mbappé right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is saved
14' Arda Güler's shot from Bellingham's pass is saved
15' Highlight from Real Madrid vs Espanyol
19' Fran García left footed shot from outside the box is saved
21' Highlight from Real Madrid vs Espanyol
26' Match Event for Real Madrid vs Espanyol
28' Mbappé with another chance from Modric's straight pass, saved
31' Kylian Mbappé is booked for protesting
37' Bellingham's shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal
39' Javi Puado right footed shot from more than 35 yards is high and wide
46' Real Madrid start second half with a chance, but Mbappé's shot is saved
48' Highlight from Real Madrid vs Espanyol
51' Match Event for Real Madrid vs Espanyol
54' Courtois’ OWN goal puts visitors ahead at the Bernabeu! Real Madrid 0-1 Espanyol
59' Carvajal finds a quickfire equaliser for the hosts! Real Madrid 1-1 Espanyol
64' Rodrygo right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the target
66' Highlight from Real Madrid vs Espanyol
69' Carreras shot from the centre of the box is saved by Courtois
73' Match Event for Real Madrid vs Espanyol
75' Rodrygo scores following brilliant work by Vinicius! Real Madrid 2-1 Espanyol
77' Vinicius doubles the lead from Mbappe's assist! Real Madrid 3-1 Espanyol
83' Highlight from Real Madrid vs Espanyol
84' Match Event for Real Madrid vs Espanyol
90' Penalty Goal! Real Madrid 4-1 Espanyol (Kylian Mbappé)
Line-ups
Real Madrid XI: Modric, Courtois, Carvajal, Mbappe, Valverde, Militao, Fran García, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler
Subs: Rudiger, Vazquez, F Mendy, Vallejo, Andriy Lunin, Vinicius, Endrick, Fran González
Espanyol XI: Cabrera, Tejero, Pol Lozano, Puado, Alex Král, Kumbulla, Jofre Carreras, Walid Cheddira, Joan García, Omar El Hilali, Carlos Romero
Subs: Gomez, Pacheco, Salvi Sánchez, Pere Milla, Brian Oliván, Cardona, Calero, Álvaro Aguado, José Gragera, Naci Ünüvar, Ángel Fortuño, Alejo Veliz