Real Madrid's perfect start to their La Liga campaign continues

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Espanyol

Real Madrid maintained their flawless start to the La Liga season with a hard-earned victory over Espanyol, making it five wins from five.

Author | Jack L

Stadium | Santiago Bernabéu

Espanyol adopted a compact defensive shape that for long periods frustrated Carlo Ancelotti’s side, restricting their ability to produce the free-flowing football so often associated with them.

The breakthrough came courtesy of a spectacular strike from Éder Militão, the Brazilian centre-back unleashing a thunderous 30-yard effort into the top corner after 22 minutes.

Espanyol’s resistance was further undone shortly after half-time when a lapse in concentration left Kylian Mbappé unmarked on the edge of the box. The forward, teed up by Vinícius Júnior, made no mistake in drilling home his seventh goal in six games this season.

There was also a welcome return for Jude Bellingham. The England midfielder, sidelined since undergoing surgery on a long-standing shoulder problem in July, came on as a late substitute in the closing stages.

The result ended Espanyol’s promising opening to the campaign, having previously collected 10 points from their first four matches.

Reaction from those who watched the game

Norman said: "Solid performance from Madrid. Controlled the game without too much trouble. Mastantuono was excellent and involved in most of the best moments. It's early days, but there already appears to be more structure and pattern than under Ancelotti. The team will improve with the return of Jude and Camavinga."

Manu offered some tactical analysis, adding: "Alonso's system is vulnerable. Yes, he's a very good coach with in-game solutions, but you can get at them easily, like any side with a half-decent forward. The trouble is, if you don't score, they have Mbappé."

Jonathan was impressed with Real Madrid's first goal, adding: "That Militão strike is a contender for goal of the season."