Real Madrid have gone three games without a win, drawing points with Atletico and Real Betis in La Liga and losing to arch-rivals Barca in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. With the need to prepare for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Liverpool in a few days, the Bernabeu side will likely save their energy when hosting Espanyol.
It was no surprise that Espanyol started the game better and attacked first. In the 8th minute, the away team scored when Joselu made a left-footed shot with his first touch, thereby defeating goalkeeper Courtois.
After conceding an early goal, Real Madrid had to focus on attacking. Although they had not recovered, the Spanish royal team still found an equalizer in the 22nd minute. Accordingly, receiving the ball from Toni Kroos on the right wing, Vinicius penetrated the penalty area and then accurately placed the ball into the far corner to score.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti's team kept up the pressure in front of the opponent's goal. In the 39th minute, Tchouameni flicked the ball from the outside of his foot, allowing Militao to head the ball accurately to put the defending champions ahead.
In the second half, the away team Espanyol tried to push up their formation in search of an opportunity to score an equalizer. However, Real Madrid took the initiative to slow down the game, reducing the tempo of the match. This was a reasonable choice when they were leading and would meet Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Even in the 90+3 minute, Marco Asensio scored the winning goal 3-1 for Real Madrid, starting from an assist by Nacho Fernandez.
This victory helps "Los Blancos" maintain second place in La Liga rankings, and is also a good step forward for the upcoming reception of Liverpool.
Starting lineup
Real Madrid: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Camavinga, Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius
Espanyol: Pacheco, Gil, Montes, Sergi Gomez, Cabrera, Ruben Sanchez, Vinicius Souaza, Gragera, Darder, Braithwaite, Joselu
La Liga standings
TRAN ANH
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