Espanyol de Barcelona shock Real Madrid to blow LALIGA race wide open
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Real Madrid vs Espanyol || Image credit: Imago

Espanyol de Barcelona shock Real Madrid to blow LALIGA race wide open

Faruq Ibrahim 23:14 - 01.02.2025

Real Madrid slip up in the LALIGA title race with an unfortunate defeat to Espanyol.

Real Madrid were handed a shocking 1-0 defeat by Espanyol. The Catalan side defended resolutely and, in smash-and-grab style, fired in a late winner through Carlos Romero.

Los Blancos's four-point lead at the top of LALIGA was reduced to one earlier in the day, following Atletico's triumph against Mallorca. They had to win to restore their margin, and their dominant start suggested business as usual. However, Espanyol adjusted accordingly and remained unbreached throughout the contest.

key match details

Despite enjoying a lion's share of possession, Los Blancos' attacking forays were few and far between. Vinicius Junior thought he'd opened the scoring midway through the half, but his effort was chalked off due to a push by Kylian Mbappe on Pol Lozano.

It wasn't until the 39th minute that Real Madrid finally registered a shot on target, courtesy of Jude Bellingham's curling effort from 20 yards, which Joan García handled comfortably.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side emerged from the break with renewed purpose, and Mbappe was soon testing García with a rebound effort following a stinging Bellingham strike. Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Junior also forced saves. Rodrygo's mazy run into the box ended with his shot ricocheting off both García and the post.

As the clock ticked down, Espanyol sensed an opportunity to catch their opponents off guard. With five minutes remaining, Omar El Hilali's cross from the right was volleyed home by Carlos Romero, sending the home crowd into raptures.

 Espanyol held firm to secure a hard-fought victory in the dying embers of the game, which helped lift them out of the relegation places. 

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