Round 34 ·
Updated:
Full Time
0 – 2
Half Time
0 – 0
Full Time
0 – 2
Goal Scorers
Ball Possession
Corners
Counter Attacks
Fouls
Free Kicks
Goal Attempts
Goal Kicks
Saves
Shots Off Target
Shots On Target
Substitutions
Throws In
Yellow Cards
Post-Match Analysis · Full Time
This 0-2 away win carried clear weight for Real Madrid, because it read as more than three points: it shifted the tone around both teams and reset expectations for the next rounds. Espanyol had gone in level at 0-0 at half-time, but the match changed after the break as Real Madrid translated control into repeated high-quality moments and a decisive result.
The first half had been competitive and fairly balanced on the score sheet, with both sides set up in a 4-2-3-1 and neither able to turn possession into a clean advantage. Espanyol worked hard without the ball, but Manolo González’s side were punished later for tactical imbalances at key moments. Real Madrid, under Álvaro Arbeloa, looked more organised in the spaces between midfield and defence, and their spacing improved the quality of their attacks as the game opened up.
After the interval, the contest tilted in Madrid’s favour. The visitors showed better pressing triggers, sharper transitions and more controlled possession in the final third, which gave them a stronger platform to create chances. The scoreline reflected that control: once Real Madrid found the breakthrough, they sustained pressure and added a second goal to close the game out with authority. For an audience in Malta following the Spanish title race closely, this kind of away performance carried the feel of a statement win rather than a routine result.
Five substitutions shaped the second-half dynamics, and the visiting bench appeared to strengthen Madrid’s rhythm rather than disrupt it. Espanyol, by contrast, struggled to adjust at the right moments and were limited in their attempts to build a sustained response. Discipline was not a major storyline, with just one yellow card for each side, but the decisive difference came in execution: Real Madrid made their moments count, while Espanyol could not turn periods of resistance into a clean sheet or a meaningful fightback.
What next: Real Madrid’s result gave them momentum and a strong platform for the coming fixtures.
Pre-Match Analysis · Full Time
This will be a pressure test with momentum at stake, and both sides will know that the margins could shape how the closing stretch of the season is judged. Espanyol will be looking to show character at home, while Real Madrid will be expected to manage the occasion with control, patience and authority. For readers in Malta following the wider La Liga picture, this will feel like one of those nights where discipline and nerve matter as much as raw quality.
The central storyline will be clear: this will be a test of tactical discipline under stress. With both teams set to line up in a 4-2-3-1, the battle will likely be decided in the middle third, where control phases, pressing triggers and recovery runs will all matter. Without leaning on advanced metrics, the shape of the match should be read through momentum, the quality of chances created, and which side can settle the tempo after early transitions.
For Manolo Gonzalez, the key question will be whether Espanyol can press with balance rather than emotion. A well-timed first line of pressure could force Madrid into hurried decisions, but any over-commitment would open space behind the ball. Rest-defense organisation will be vital, especially against a team that should try to move quickly into the half-spaces once possession is regained. If Espanyol can stay compact after losing the ball, they will give themselves a real chance to keep the contest alive.
At the other end, Alvaro Arbeloa will likely be judged on timing and control from the bench as much as on the starting structure. If the match remains level after the first hour, his substitutions could become decisive in changing the rhythm, refreshing the press, or adding more direct threat between the lines. Real Madrid will want to avoid a flat possession game and instead create clearer chances through quicker combinations, set pieces, and sharper transitions.
If either side can win the midfield duels and stay disciplined in transition, that could decide the match.
Omar El Hilali from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Real Madrid are in control of the ball.
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Espanyol are trying to create something here.
Leandro Cabrera makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Francisco Garcia makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
A wonderful team goal!
Real Madrid with a potentially dangerous attack.
Vinicius Junior made the key pass for the goal!
Jude Bellingham provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Vinicius Junior scores with the right foot!
Jude Bellingham creates a scoring opportunity for his teammate
Urko Gonzalez de Zarate is penalised for pushing Aurelien Tchouameni
Ball possession: Espanyol: 35%, Real Madrid: 65%.
Espanyol are trying to create something here.
Goal kick for Real Madrid
Ramon Terrats from Espanyol tries to score from outside the penalty box. Unfortunately the effort is just outside the frame. Close!
Marko Dmitrovic from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Fernando Calero from Espanyol goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Vinicius Junior
Fernando Calero from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Real Madrid with a potentially dangerous attack.
Charles Pickel successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Jude Bellingham is blocked
Leandro Cabrera relieves the pressure with a clearance
Edu Exposito is leaving the field to be replaced by Charles Pickel in a tactical substitution.
The match resumes with a drop ball
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Fernando Calero relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ruben Sanchez is leaving the field to be replaced by Antoniu Roca in a tactical substitution.
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
Francisco Garcia makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Fernando Calero relieves the pressure with a clearance
Today's attendance is 31733
Roberto Fernandez from Espanyol is ruled offside
Espanyol are trying to create something here.
Ball possession: Espanyol: 35%, Real Madrid: 65%.
Edu Exposito makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The referee signals a free kick as Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid trips Tyrhys Dolan
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Fernando Calero relieves the pressure with a clearance
Fernando Calero from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Leandro Cabrera from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Leandro Cabrera relieves the pressure with a clearance
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
A shot by Ramon Terrats is blocked
The cross by Carlos Romero from Espanyol successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Goal kick for Real Madrid
Espanyol take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Fernando Calero relieves the pressure with a clearance
Aurelien Tchouameni makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Real Madrid start a counter attack
A wonderful team goal!
Vinicius Junior made the key pass for the goal!
Ball possession: Espanyol: 36%, Real Madrid: 64%.
Gonzalo Garcia provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Vinicius Junior scores with the right foot!
Gonzalo Garcia creates a scoring opportunity for his teammate
Carlos Romero from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Dean Huijsen from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Espanyol start a counter attack
Real Madrid take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Thiago Pitarch is leaving the field to be replaced by Franco Mastantuono in a tactical substitution.
Brahim Diaz is leaving the field to be replaced by Gonzalo Garcia in a tactical substitution.
Espanyol take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Edu Exposito shoots from outside the box, but Andriy Lunin has it under control
Edu Exposito tries his luck from distance but his effort ends up safely in the hands of Andriy Lunin
Edu Exposito relieves the pressure with a clearance
Real Madrid start a counter attack
Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Dean Huijsen makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Yellow card for Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is shown a yellow card by the referee
Dangerous challenge by Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid. Tyrhys Dolan on the receiving end of that.
Espanyol are trying to create something here.
Ball possession: Espanyol: 34%, Real Madrid: 66%.
Thiago Pitarch from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Espanyol with a potentially dangerous attack.
Urko Gonzalez de Zarate relieves the pressure with a clearance
Real Madrid start a counter attack
Tyrhys Dolan makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Thiago Pitarch makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ramon Terrats makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Goal kick for Real Madrid
Ruben Sanchez fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
Dean Huijsen from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Fernando Calero makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Antonio Ruediger from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The second half is underway
A shot by Edu Exposito is blocked
Antonio Ruediger from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Dean Huijsen from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Espanyol are trying to create something here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold relieves the pressure with a clearance
It's over! The referee blows for half time
Ball possession: Espanyol: 33%, Real Madrid: 67%.
Leandro Cabrera sends a header towards goal, but Andriy Lunin is there to comfortably save it
Trent Alexander-Arnold successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Ramon Terrats is blocked
Edu Exposito from Espanyol swings in the corner from the left.
Dean Huijsen relieves the pressure with a clearance
After a tactical foul, Edu Exposito sees no other way than stopping the counter and receives a yellow card.
Edu Exposito from Espanyol goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Thiago Pitarch
The referee signals a free kick as Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid trips Omar El Hilali
The fourth official shows there are 3 minute(s) of time to be added
Urko Gonzalez de Zarate makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Real Madrid are in control of the ball.
Ball possession: Espanyol: 35%, Real Madrid: 65%.
Real Madrid take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Goal kick for Espanyol
Real Madrid take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Carlos Romero from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Tyrhys Dolan is penalised for pushing Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid start a counter attack
Antonio Ruediger from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Edu Exposito swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
A shot by Carlos Romero is blocked
Antonio Ruediger successfully blocks the shot
Espanyol with a potentially dangerous attack.
Francisco Garcia from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Federico Valverde sends a header towards goal, but Marko Dmitrovic is there to comfortably save it
The cross by Francisco Garcia from Real Madrid successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Ball possession: Espanyol: 34%, Real Madrid: 66%.
Roberto Fernandez relieves the pressure with a clearance
Goal kick for Real Madrid
The referee signals a free kick as Urko Gonzalez de Zarate from Espanyol trips Vinicius Junior
Espanyol are trying to create something here.
Fernando Calero relieves the pressure with a clearance
Goal kick for Real Madrid
Thiago Pitarch from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Goal kick for Real Madrid
A chance presents itself to Roberto Fernandez from Espanyol but his header goes wide
Edu Exposito from Espanyol swings in the corner from the right.
Ball possession: Espanyol: 33%, Real Madrid: 67%.
Antonio Ruediger from Real Madrid is ruled offside
The referee signals a free kick as Omar El Hilali from Espanyol trips Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Dean Huijsen wins an air challenge against Roberto Fernandez
Fernando Calero from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Leandro Cabrera from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Tyrhys Dolan from Espanyol trips Jude Bellingham
Tyrhys Dolan relieves the pressure with a clearance
Real Madrid are in control of the ball.
Real Madrid take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Aurelien Tchouameni sends a header towards goal, but Marko Dmitrovic is there to comfortably save it
Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid swings in the corner from the right.
Real Madrid take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Thiago Pitarch makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Espanyol: 33%, Real Madrid: 67%.
Omar El Hilali relieves the pressure with a clearance
Espanyol take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Goal kick for Real Madrid
The cross by Carlos Romero from Espanyol successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Jude Bellingham hand-balls
Jude Bellingham controls the ball with his hand
Espanyol take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Omar El Hilali makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Dean Huijsen relieves the pressure with a clearance
Espanyol take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
NO CARD! - After reviewing the situation, the referee revokes the awarded card for Omar El Hilali from Espanyol.
VAR - CARD! - The referee has stopped the play. VAR check in progress, a potential card for a player from Espanyol.
Yellow card for Omar El Hilali
Omar El Hilali is shown a yellow card by the referee
The card for Omar El Hilali from Espanyol was disallowed via VAR intervention.
The ref blows his whistle. Omar El Hilali charged Vinicius Junior from behind and it's a free-kick
Real Madrid take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Espanyol: 28%, Real Madrid: 72%.
Espanyol take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Espanyol are trying to create something here.
Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Omar El Hilali
The referee shows Vinicius Junior the yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Espanyol are in control of the ball.
Aurelien Tchouameni makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Espanyol with a potentially dangerous attack.
Aurelien Tchouameni makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Urko Gonzalez de Zarate makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The referee signals a free kick as Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid trips Urko Gonzalez de Zarate
Yellow card for Brahim Diaz
Brahim Diaz is shown a yellow card by the referee
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Edu Exposito makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Real Madrid take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Espanyol take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Brahim Diaz makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Espanyol: 26%, Real Madrid: 74%.
Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid is ruled offside
Fernando Calero makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Francisco Garcia relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ramon Terrats hand-balls
Ramon Terrats controls the ball with his hand
Dean Huijsen makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The referee signals a free kick as Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid trips Roberto Fernandez
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Omar El Hilali from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Aurelien Tchouameni makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Real Madrid take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ball possession: Espanyol: 23%, Real Madrid: 77%.
Goal kick for Espanyol
A chance presents itself to Dean Huijsen from Real Madrid but his header goes wide
Dean Huijsen wins an air challenge against Roberto Fernandez
Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid swings in the corner from the left.
A shot by Antonio Ruediger is blocked
Ferland Mendy is injured and is replaced by Francisco Garcia.
Ramon Terrats successfully blocks the shot
Leandro Cabrera from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Real Madrid start a counter attack
Aurelien Tchouameni relieves the pressure with a clearance
Carlos Romero relieves the pressure with a clearance
Obstruction as Fernando Calero cuts off the run of Jude Bellingham. A free-kick is awarded.
Urko Gonzalez de Zarate makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Aurelien Tchouameni relieves the pressure with a clearance
The match resumes with a drop ball
Ferland Mendy is injured and is taken off the field to receive medical treatment.
Ferland Mendy is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
Ferland Mendy relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Espanyol: 28%, Real Madrid: 72%.
Urko Gonzalez de Zarate is penalised for pushing Vinicius Junior
Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid swings in the corner from the right.
The ref blows his whistle. Omar El Hilali charged Vinicius Junior from behind and it's a free-kick
Fernando Calero from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Carlos Romero from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
A shot by Vinicius Junior is blocked
Omar El Hilali successfully blocks the shot
Leandro Cabrera successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Jude Bellingham is blocked
Real Madrid are trying to create something here.
Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Roberto Fernandez wins an air challenge against Dean Huijsen
Aurelien Tchouameni makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Edu Exposito relieves the pressure with a clearance
Espanyol are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Real Madrid
The ref blows his whistle. Dean Huijsen charged Ruben Sanchez from behind and it's a free-kick
Espanyol take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Leandro Cabrera relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Espanyol: 12%, Real Madrid: 88%.
Goal kick for Real Madrid
Espanyol are trying to create something here.
Goal kick for Real Madrid
Ruben Sanchez fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
Espanyol with a potentially dangerous attack.
The cross by Ruben Sanchez from Espanyol successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Real Madrid are in control of the ball.
Ruben Sanchez successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Federico Valverde is blocked
Ruben Sanchez from Espanyol intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Edu Exposito from Espanyol commits a foul by elbowing Jude Bellingham
Welcome to tonights game where the floodlight surrounds the pitch.
The pitch is in fantastic condition today and the players are enjoying the surface.
Real Madrid kick-off, and the game is underway.
The referee starts the match
Before we get underway, the players and crowd observe a minute's silence.
LaLiga
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38 | 31 | 1 | 6 | 95 | 36 | +59 | 94 | |
| 2 |
Real Madrid
Away
|
38 | 27 | 5 | 6 | 77 | 35 | +42 | 86 |
| 3 | 38 | 22 | 6 | 10 | 72 | 46 | +26 | 72 | |
| 4 | 38 | 21 | 6 | 11 | 62 | 44 | +18 | 69 | |
| 5 | 38 | 15 | 15 | 8 | 59 | 48 | +11 | 60 | |
| 6 | 38 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 53 | 48 | +5 | 54 | |
| 7 | 38 | 15 | 6 | 17 | 32 | 38 | -6 | 51 | |
| 8 | 38 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 41 | 44 | -3 | 50 | |
| 9 | 38 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 46 | 55 | -9 | 49 | |
| 10 | 38 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 59 | 61 | -2 | 46 | |
| 11 |
Espanyol
Home
|
38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 43 | 55 | -12 | 46 |
| 12 | 38 | 13 | 6 | 19 | 43 | 58 | -15 | 45 | |
| 13 | 38 | 12 | 7 | 19 | 46 | 60 | -14 | 43 | |
| 14 | 38 | 11 | 10 | 17 | 44 | 56 | -12 | 43 | |
| 15 | 38 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 49 | 57 | -8 | 43 | |
| 16 | 38 | 11 | 9 | 18 | 47 | 61 | -14 | 42 | |
| 17 | 38 | 11 | 9 | 18 | 44 | 50 | -6 | 42 | |
| 18 | 38 | 11 | 9 | 18 | 47 | 57 | -10 | 42 | |
| 19 | 38 | 9 | 14 | 15 | 39 | 55 | -16 | 41 | |
| 20 | 38 | 6 | 11 | 21 | 26 | 60 | -34 | 29 |
Status
Finished
Minute
0'
Winner
Real Madrid
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