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Match Report: Battling RCD Espanyol lose at the Bernabéu

Los Pericos fall 4-1 to Real Madrid

Despite taking the lead against the reigning LaLiga champions, RCD Espanyol fell to a 4-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid. The goal for Los Pericos came about from a cross by Jofre Carreras, turned into his own net by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Cortouis.

Before the game, both teams paid tribute to seven Olympic medallists and wore a purple armband to commemorate World Alzheimer's Day. The RCD Espanyol kit was also a homage to the day that raises awareness of the disease.

The visitors started well, with a steal of possession from Javi Puado, although their control faded slightly against opponents who went forward in numbers.

Joan García in the RCD Espanyol goal was one of the main protagonists of the first half, making good saves, showing confidence in his decisions commanding his area.

As things began to slow down after the first half hour, Puado provided the first warning with a shot from close to the halfway line that almost caught Courtouis by surprise. The captain tried again from distance shortly after, but his left-footed effort went wide.

Manolo González's men continued to reach the opposition area, especially on the left wing, and managed to end the first half with two solid chances for Jofre and Álvaro Tejero.

The second half opened up with clear chances for both teams. García repelled shots from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, while in the opposition's area Jofre and Carlos Romero had looks on goal. Espanyol benefited from this back-and-forth, taking the lead thanks to a connection between Joan García and Jofre, which was knocked in for an own goal by Courtois.

However, the joy was short-lived, as Dani Carvajal took advantage of two consecutive errors in the area to easily equalise.

Espanyol overcame the setback and Jofre, after a good individual move, had a good opportunity to score the second, but this time Courtois got things right.

Real Madrid went in search of victory and although the defence managed to hold on bravely, goals from Rodrygo, Vini and Mbappé ended up giving the home team the victory.