Real Madrid saw off Espanyol in a game that was expected to be a tough test for the visiting Los Blancos. Espanyol put up a spirited display, but they ran out of ideas and fuel by the end of the game to finish the game with a 2-0 home defeat.
The goals came at crucial junctures of the match for Real: the first, on the stroke of halftime, changed the complexion of the game completely, while the second allowed Real to finish the game at ambling pace.
The result now leaves Espanyol without a win in 4 games. While captain Oscar Duarte insisted in the post-match interview that the manager and squad are not overly concerned by the bad run of form, it is unlike Espanyol to start the season in such dispirited form.
Los Blancos, by contrast, continue their 100% start to the season and will now go into the game against Villareal bristling with confidence. The win helped them capture their 16th consecutive league victory, breaking their club record for consecutive Liga triumphs and also equalling Pep Guardiola’s record.
Here are 5 talking points from the game
1. Real Madrid’s Starting Lineup
Zinedine Zidane made 3 important changes to his best available XI, bringing in Marco Asensio, James Rodriguez, and Pepe for Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos, and Raphael Varane.
Gareth Bale was ruled out of the fixture on account of a hip injury, which is why Lucas Vazquez found another opportunity to showcase his squad utility. Dani Carvajal returned to the starting XI, as did Karim Benzema.
The decision to partially rotate the squad paid dividends as Benzema scored a confidence-boosting goal, while generally good performances from the rest of the replacements gave Real the result they came looking for.
2. James Rodriguez’s form
The Colombian was handed a first league start of the season, and the holder of the World Cup Golden Boot did not disappoint today either. While he retreated to the left wing to find space with Casemiro on the field, the introduction of Kroos allowed him to drift into a more central role, as Kroos and Modric took turns to play the midfield pivot role in attack.
James conjured up a contender for Goal of the Season at the fag end of the first half, mesmerizing two defenders with his quick feet and close control before directing a deadly shot right into Diego Lopez’s left bottom corner.
Also Read: Jose Mourinho to offer James Rodriguez a 'major role' at Manchester United
Despite being linked with numerous moves away from Madrid, the Colombian put on a strong performance showcasing just how good he is on his day. His appearance in central areas at the right time allowed Real to then consolidate their lead with solid play in the second half before he was subbed off for fellow playmaker Isco.
3. Espanyol’s team makeup
Espanyol fielded a team that focussed on pressing Real in all areas of the pitch. While they were tough, rough-and-ready to tackle Real at every single loose ball, they also showed tremendous fitness in keeping their high-pressing intensity up for much of the second half as well.
Espanyol’s defense also passed several moments of scrutiny, not offering Real anything by way of clear chances. Every Real shot was contested for, either by a blocking or by the man marker. Only for the second goal was their defense found wanting, as Real played a perfect buildup and Benzema applied a cool finishing touch to the move.
4. Casemiro’s injury handed Real the initiative in midfield
Espanyol’s high initial tempo restricted Real to passing the ball around in their own half for much of the first 20 minutes. After Casemiro’s freak injury, Kroos was brought on in his place.
Kroos’ silky smooth touch, composure in possession and aptitude for creating his own dribbling spaces gave Real an extra dimension in midfield, following which they were able to play the rest of the match with greater command over the middle third.
Thus, an injury-forced change in Real’s tactical setup eventually made the difference and allowed them to express themselves in attack.
5. Real Madrid’s robust defence
While Espanyol’s own defence kept Real’s much-vaunted, albeit second-string attack at bay, Real’s defenders matched every Espanyol attacker, and by the end of the match, the Catalan club had failed to record a single shot of note on target.
Barring a deflected shot that Casilla had to smartly parry away, he was largely a spectator on his return to the Cornella El-Prat.
Some of the challenges and defensive plays showcased by Real’s defenders underlined their world-class credentials against a rather lacklustre Espanyol attack, which did not have the pace or the quality to hurt Real.
