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Match Report: Stunning 1-0 win over Real Madrid
A last-gasp counter finished by Carlos Romero gives RCD Espanyol victory
A late goal from Carlos Romero earned RCD Espanyol a 1-0 win at home against Real Madrid, as Los Pericos shocked the LaLiga leaders and took a valuable three points.
Coach Manolo González included Urko in the midfield and brought in Romero for Brian Oliván, who did pass a late fitness test.
Espanyol started the game well with an attack that Javi Puado finished with a long shot off target. From the get-go, they showed that they were willing to apply pressure to Real Madrid and not let them feel comfortable.
The game plan was clear for Espanyol going forward, as the speed of Jofre Carreras on the right wing was the main outlet, as well as the battling involvement of Puado and Roberto. The no.17 had the clearest chance of the first half for the home team with a left-footed shot, saved by opposition goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Espanyol's biggest scare came when Vinicius managed to beat Joan Garcia with a great shot, but the goal was disallowed for a clear foul by Kylian Mbappé in the build-up.
The first half was only lacking precision on counterattacks to do more damage to Los Blancos, whose defence had lost Antonio Rüdiger at the start of the match through injury.
Espanyol had a difficult mission ahead for the second half. Real Madrid had more of the ball and closed them down, meaning Los Pericos began to suffer a little more.
Joan Garcia, who had been relatively untested, was called upon to make a double save from shots from Jude Bellingham and Mbappé.
Espanyol put their faith in counterattacks, and one of them led to a shot from Roberto that ended in a corner, whilst at the other end Garcia appeared again for two spectacular saves.
The opportunity finally came off a phenomenal counter, with the ball ending up at the feet of Romero. The fullback provided a striker's finish to break the deadlock, earning a magnificent victory was amongst the finest moments of the season to date.