The Santiago Bernabéu hosted an electrifying clash between Real Madrid and Espanyol on Matchday 7 of the 2024-25 La Liga season. Real Madrid came into this fixture with a strong start to their campaign, boasting a record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 0 losses, accumulating 14 points. On the other hand, Espanyol found themselves mid-table with 7 points, reflecting a mixed start with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. Both teams sought to boost their positions on the La Liga table, with Real Madrid eyeing the top spot and Espanyol aiming to climb into the upper half.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Real Madrid has dominated Espanyol in their previous encounters. In the last five meetings between these sides, Real Madrid emerged victorious four times, while Espanyol managed a solitary win. The Catalan side last tasted victory against Los Blancos in 2021, but Real Madrid have maintained superiority since, including a 3-1 win in their most recent La Liga matchup.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Lineups and Substitutes
Here are the Real Madrid vs Espanyol lineups today (Sep 21, 2024)
Real Madrid (4-3-3 Formation):
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García
- Midfielders: Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni
- Forwards: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Arda Güler
Substitutes:
- Lucas Vázquez (for Carvajal, 59′)
- Vinícius Júnior (for Arda Güler, 55′)
- Endrick (for Rodrygo, 84′)
- Antonio Rüdiger (for Bellingham, 84′)
Espanyol (4-4-2 Formation):
- Goalkeeper: Joan García
- Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Carlos Romero, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera
- Midfielders: Álvaro Tejero, Alex Král, Pol Lozano, Javi Puado
- Forwards: Walid Cheddira, Jofre Carreras
Substitutes:
- Alejo Véliz (for Cheddira, 45′)
- José Gragera (for Lozano, 67′)
- Irvin Cardona (for Carreras, 76′)
- Pere Milla (for Puado, 81′)
- Álvaro Aguado (for Tejero, 76′)
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Match Summary
Real Madrid vs Espanyol First Half:
Real Madrid started the game aggressively, with Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo testing Espanyol’s defense early on. Espanyol, however, managed to keep the game scoreless in the first half. Thibaut Courtois made a surprising error in the 54th minute, resulting in an own goal that gave Espanyol a 1-0 lead. Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Dani Carvajal equalizing in the 58th minute, ensuring the first half ended level at 1-1.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Second Half:
Real Madrid upped the ante in the second half, asserting their dominance with quick attacking play. Rodrygo put Los Blancos ahead in the 75th minute, and just three minutes later, Vinícius Júnior extended their lead to 3-1. A late penalty by Mbappé in the 90th minute sealed the win for Madrid, taking the final score to 4-1. Espanyol struggled to contain Madrid’s relentless attacks, and despite an early lead, they could not match the hosts’ intensity.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Full-Time Score: Real Madrid 4-1 Espanyol
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Stats
| Real Madrid vs Espanyol Stats | Real Madrid | Espanyol |
| Possession (%) | 73% | 27% |
| Shots on Goal | 14 | 1 |
| Shot Attempts | 31 | 10 |
| Fouls | 7 | 12 |
| Corners | 10 | 5 |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Timeline
Full-Time: Aston Villa completes a remarkable comeback to defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1. The visitors took the lead early on through Matheus Cunha, but Villa’s second-half performance was exceptional.
90+14′: The match concludes with a yellow card for Ross Barkley.
90+11′: Ross Barkley receives a yellow card for a foul.
90+9′: Aston Villa make a substitution, bringing on Emiliano Buendía for Ollie Watkins.
90+4′: Jhon Durán scores Aston Villa’s third goal.
88′: Ezri Konsa scores Aston Villa’s second goal.
82′: Wolverhampton Wanderers make substitutions, bringing on Tommy Doyle and Santiago Bueno for João Gomes and Yerson Mosquera.
81′: Yerson Mosquera receives a yellow card for a foul.
75′: Morgan Rogers receives a yellow card for a foul.
73′: Ollie Watkins scores Aston Villa’s first goal.
71′: Wolverhampton Wanderers make a substitution, bringing on Rodrigo Gomes for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
65′: Wolverhampton Wanderers make substitutions, bringing on Gonçalo Guedes for Jørgen Strand Larsen.
65′: A yellow card is shown to an unnamed Aston Villa player.
62′: Aston Villa make substitutions, bringing on Jhon Durán, Ross Barkley, and Ian Maatsen for Jacob Ramsey, Amadou Onana, and Lucas Digne.
61′: Mario Lemina receives a yellow card for a foul.
45′: The second half begins.
45′: Aston Villa make substitutions, bringing on Leon Bailey, Ian Maatsen, and Ross Barkley for Lucas Digne, John McGinn, and Amadou Onana.
45+7′: First Half ends, Aston Villa 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers.
45+6′: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde wins a free kick for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
45+4′: A delay in the game due to an injury to John McGinn.
45+1′: Rayan Aït-Nouri’s shot is blocked.
45′: The fourth official indicates five minutes of added time.
45′: Craig Dawson’s header misses.
44′: Wolverhampton Wanderers earns a corner kick.
44′: Rayan Aït-Nouri’s shot is blocked.
42′: Jørgen Strand Larsen’s shot is saved.
41′: Morgan Rogers commits a foul.
41′: André wins a free kick for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
40′: Aston Villa earns a corner kick.
38′: Jørgen Strand Larsen commits a foul.
38′: Pau Torres wins a free kick for Aston Villa.
36′: Matheus Cunha commits a handball.
36′: John McGinn’s shot is blocked.
35′: Aston Villa earns a corner kick.
35′: Ollie Watkins’ shot is blocked.
35′: Matheus Cunha commits a foul.
35′: Amadou Onana wins a free kick for Aston Villa.
32′: André’s shot is blocked.
32′: Jørgen Strand Larsen’s header is blocked.
31′: Wolverhampton Wanderers earns a corner kick.
31′: Rayan Aït-Nouri’s shot is blocked.
29′: A delay in the game due to an injury to Lucas Digne.
28′: Pau Torres receives a yellow card for a foul.
27′: João Gomes receives a yellow card for a foul.
27′: Lucas Digne wins a free kick for Aston Villa.
25′: Matheus Cunha scores Wolverhampton Wanderers’ first goal.
21′: Yerson Mosquera commits a foul.
21′: Ollie Watkins wins a free kick for Aston Villa.
18′: Mario Lemina’s header is saved.
17′: Wolverhampton Wanderers earns a corner kick.
16′: Nélson Semedo receives a yellow card for a foul.
16′: Jacob Ramsey wins a free kick for Aston Villa.
16′: Nélson Semedo commits a foul.
16′: Jacob Ramsey wins a free kick for Aston Villa.
15′: Yerson Mosquera is caught offside.
13′: Matheus Cunha wins a free kick for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
13′: Ollie Watkins commits a foul.
12′: João Gomes commits a foul.
12′: Youri Tielemans wins a free kick for Aston Villa.
11′: A delay in the game due to an injury to Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
7′: Rayan Aït-Nouri receives a yellow card for a foul.
7′: Ezri Konsa wins a free kick for Aston Villa.
7′: Rayan Aït-Nouri commits a foul.
6′: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde wins a free kick for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
6′: Lucas Digne commits a foul.
6′: A delay in the game due to an injury to Craig Dawson.
5′: Mario Lemina’s shot is saved.
4′: Wolverhampton Wanderers earns a corner kick.
2′: Offside, Aston Villa. Lucas Digne is caught offside.
0′: The match begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Player Achievements
- Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Mbappé was instrumental in Madrid’s victory, assisting in two goals and scoring the final penalty. His pace, vision, and clinical finishing were key in unlocking Espanyol’s defense. - Dani Carvajal: His equalizing goal swung momentum back in Madrid’s favor.
- Thibaut Courtois: Despite an own goal, Courtois recovered to make important saves, maintaining Madrid’s advantage.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Impact on the Points Table
This 4-1 victory propelled Real Madrid to the top of the La Liga table with 17 points from seven games, as they remained unbeaten. Espanyol, with this defeat, stayed in mid-table with 7 points, now sitting at 13th place. Real Madrid’s form made them early favorites for the La Liga title, while Espanyol would need to regroup for upcoming matches to avoid slipping further down the standings.
Real Madrid’s victory over Espanyol further cemented their status as title contenders for the 2024-25 La Liga season. The match showcased their attacking prowess, with the trio of Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé running riot. Espanyol, despite a spirited performance and an early lead, could not hold off Madrid’s relentless attack. The result had a significant impact on both sides’ standings, with Real Madrid ascending to the top of the league while Espanyol slipped to the lower mid-table.
