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Espanyol beat Real Madrid 2-1 to hand the league leaders their first defeat of the season. The loss ended Real Madrid's 25-game unbeaten run in the Spanish top flight. To put the result in perspective, Espanyol beat Madrid for only the second time in 25 years.
The hosts started the game on a bright note, and were rewarded for their efforts when Raul De Tomas opened the scoring in the 17th minute. The former Real Madrid forward scored after getting past Lucas Vazquez, converting a low cross from Adrian Embarba.
Real Madrid sought an immediate response, but Espanyol held firm. Madrid were then dealt another blow when Aleix Vidal doubled the hosts' lead at the hour-mark. Karim Benzema scored a peach of a goal to pull one back for Real Madrid. But he couldn't help avert a first league defeat of the season for his team.
On that note, here's a look at the five talking points from the game:
#5 Real Madrid need to sort out their defence
Real Madrid's struggles at the back are quite evident, especially the centre-back pairing. Carlo Ancelotti has been switching between Eder Militao, David Alaba and Nacho. But the lack of chemistry at the heart of their rearguard has been all too apparent, despite Militao and Alaba performing well individually.
Meanwhile, Nacho and Lucas Vazquez look completely out of form. Injuries to Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Ferland Mendy have not made things any better as well.
#4 Real Madrid are experimenting a lot
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been experimenting a lot with his lineups. The Italian has been evaluating his options, and trying out different formations. Although it is quite natural for newly appointed managers with huge squads to do that, he needs to find his best XI and formation quickly.
Madrid have played their best football in a 4-3-3 formation. However, to rotate the squad and accommodate players unsuitable to play in a 4-3-3, different formations have been tested. That has led to deficiencies in attack or defence.
Ancelotti will have to figure out a system that best suits Real Madrid without compromising the team's playing style.
#3 Espanyol put in a well-rounded performance against Real Madrid
Espanyol hit Real Madrid where it hurt the most. The hosts maintained their defensive structure and capitalised on Madrid's porous defence when advancing up the pitch.
The hosts capitalised on their bright start, grabbing the opening goal of the game. The hosts exploited the wings well, and bombarded the Real Madrid box with frequent crosses. After scoring, Espanyol sat back and absorbed the pressure well. They managed to catch Real Madrid on the break on quite a few occasions.
#2 Real Madrid fail to extend their lead atop the league table
Atletico Madrid managed to keep the title race tight by beating Barcelona 2-0 earlier this weekend. With the win, the holders went second in the league table.
A victory against Espanyol would have steered Real Madrid three points clear of Atletico Madrid. With El Clasico in sight, a comfortable difference at the top would have been desirable. But their loss at Espanyol means Real Madrid now lead Atletico and Real Sociedad only on goal difference.
#1 Karim Benzema continues his red hot form
Karim Benzema was on the scoresheet for Real Madrid yet again. Although the Frenchman did not have the best of outings, he scored a stunning goal to pull one back for Real Madrid. With the strike, Benzema took his tally to nine in the La Liga this season.
Real Madrid looked bereft of ideas up front against Espanyol, though. Benzema was the only Los Blancos player who looked threatening when advancing higher up the pitch. The Frenchman tried his best to drop deep and create something, but lacked the support he sorely required.
