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Match Report: 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid
Two chances deny RCD Espanyol a share of the points
RCD Espanyol suffered a 2-0 defeat to LaLiga leaders Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 5, as they came home emptyhanded from the capital.
The team went into the game with the confidence that comes from having taken 10 points out of a possible 12, and the positive showings so far this season. However, they were up against a side they hadn’t beaten away in over 30 years, and were missing top scorer Pere Milla for the occasion.
Los Pericos were well organised and with very clear ideas. Against opponents with such outstanding individual quality, they needed concentration to be at a maximum and tried to take advantage of any opportunities that came their way.
In the first minute of play, they had already threatened Thibaut Courtois’ goal on a couple of occasions. Espanyol continued to create danger against Real Madrid's defence every time they went into the second third of the pitch.
Despite a few minutes of stifling pressure, Espanyol had the game under control. However, their solid approach was shattered by a quality move from Eder Militao: The defender, with a powerful shot, put the home side ahead.
Espanyol continued to create opportunities at every turn, such as with a Tyrhys Dolan cross that Roberto was unable to finish. The clearest chance was a free kick that only failed to find Fernando Calero by a centimetre.
The home side could have sealed the victory with a lightning-fast counterattack, but Kylian Mbappé missed a golden chance.
When the second half began, Mbappé did get the second, with a long-range shot. Real Madrid returned to the practical approach that always gets them results, and two quality shots and little else ended up giving them the two-goal lead.
Manolo González sought a response with a triple substitution and brought on two pure wingers in Jofre and Koleosho. Although there was an opportunity from a set piece, RCD Espanyol could not quite make it happen, and suffered defeat.