Real Madrid made light work of Espanyol as they claimed a 2-0 win to maintain their perfect start to the Liga season. Eder Militao and in-form Kylian Mbappe delivered the goals for the hosts, and the result, if only temporarily, moves Xabi Alonso’s men five points clear of title rivals Barcelona at the top of the table.
After a cagey start the game finally came to life in the 22nd minute as Militao stepped out from the back and unleashed a ferocious shot from some 30 yards out that flew into the top corner. Fernando Calero should’ve grabbed an equaliser just before half-time but failed to connect with Edu Exposito’s delicious cross from the right, while Mbappe was similarly wasteful when he prodded a shot wide after an electric run from Vinicius Junior.
The Frenchman made no mistake early on in the second half, however, as he crashed home his seventh goal of the season in all competitions with a thumping strike from distance. He might’ve had more as well, with a number of presentable chances going begging before Vinicius hit the post to compound a frustrating afternoon on a personal level for the Brazilian. Still, the damage was already done and the result ensures Madrid are five wins from five and sitting pretty at the top of the Liga table.
Read on as GOAL rates Madrid’s players from the Bernabeu…