Espanyol shock Real Madrid to shake up title race

Espanyol shock Real Madrid to shake up title race

RCD Espanyol pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the LaLiga season, defeating league leaders Real Madrid 1-0 at the RCDE Stadium.

The victory lifted the struggling hosts out of the relegation zone and ended Los Blancos’ five-game winning streak in all competitions.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side had been in rampant form, averaging 3.25 goals across four consecutive wins, including a dominant 3-0 UEFA Champions League triumph in midweek. However, they struggled to find rhythm against a determined Espanyol side.

Real suffered an early blow when Antonio Rüdiger was forced off injured within the first 15 minutes. The first real chance of the match came from Espanyol’s Jofre Carreras, whose powerful shot was well saved by Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Vinícius Júnior found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Kylian Mbappé on Pol Lozano.

Despite dominating possession, the visitors failed to create clear-cut chances. Their first effort on target came in the 39th minute when Jude Bellingham’s curling shot from 20 yards was comfortably gathered by Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.

READ ALSO:

• Nigerian woman Abayomi Whint becomes judge in New York
• Dangote refinery drops petrol price to N890/litre
• Zulum gifts family of army officer killed by Boko Haram N30m to buy house

Real Madrid pushed for a breakthrough after halftime, with Mbappé coming closest when he failed to convert a rebound from Bellingham’s powerful strike. Dani Ceballos and Vinícius also had chances, but Garcia remained resolute in goal.

With 15 minutes left, Rodrygo weaved through the Espanyol defense and saw his effort deflect off both Garcia and the post. Mbappé was next to be denied, as Garcia pulled off another brilliant save.

Despite Madrid’s dominance, Espanyol remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off five minutes from time when a cleared Madrid free-kick sparked a fast break.

Omar El Hilali delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Carlos Romero volleyed home a dramatic winner.

Espanyol held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time to claim their third home victory over Real in six meetings.

Real Madrid’s lead at the top of LaLiga has now been cut to just one point, adding fresh intrigue to the title race.

Espanyol shock Real Madrid to shake up title race