Real Madrid's victory over Espanyol was an important one for the club, particularly in terms of their recent goal-scoring woes. Going into the match, the talk was that Madrid's forward line wasn't fit for purpose, with just one goal scored in their last three games. With Karim Benzema sidelined due to an ankle injury, there were concerns over who would step up to provide the goals. However, the match proved that Madrid's squad is full of quality and depth, as they found goals from unlikely sources.
Vinicius Junior was the star of the show, as he scored a characteristic dribble and finish to bring Madrid level after Joselu gave Espanyol a surprise lead. Vinicius had four Espanyol defenders to beat when he picked up the ball and drove infield to curl a shot into the bottom corner. This showcased his ability to unlock opposition defenses and demonstrated that Madrid can rely on him to provide the spark they need.
Eder Militao, who has been a standout performer for Madrid this season, headed Aurelien Tchouameni's cross in off the bar to put the home side ahead before half-time. Militao has been dominant in the air in both boxes and has scored six goals this season, making him a valuable asset for Madrid.
Rodrygo Goes, who has been Carlo Ancelotti's preferred Benzema backup this season, looked the most likely to score as Madrid pushed for a second goal. Although he was unlucky not to score despite going close on three separate occasions, including hitting the bar, his performance was promising for Madrid's future.
While Madrid's attacking players shone, there were some questions over the defense's performance. Madrid's defensive record this season has been solid, with only 1-0 specialists Barcelona conceding fewer goals in LaLiga. However, Ancelotti has frequently switched his back four around, suggesting that he is not entirely happy with what he is seeing. Eduardo Camavinga, who was picked out of position at left-back due to the unavailability of Ferland Mendy and David Alaba, was at fault for Espanyol's opener, unable to deal with Ruben Sanchez's cross for Joselu. With Liverpool looming in the Champions League, it will be interesting to see if Ancelotti makes any changes to his defense.
One standout performer in the match was Joselu, who has an incredible record against Real Madrid, having scored eight times against them in 10 games in all competitions. His opening goal was his eighth against Real Madrid, his second-most against a single club, only behind the 10 he has scored against Cadiz. Joselu's goal ended Madrid's seven-game home shutout streak against Espanyol in La Liga, highlighting the importance of having reliable goal scorers on any team.
Despite Madrid's victory over Espanyol, it seems unlikely that they will catch up to league leaders Barcelona. However, their squad depth and quality suggest that they will continue to compete at the highest level in both La Liga and the Champions League. Madrid are currently the top scorers in La Liga despite Benzema's absences, with 50 goals to Barcelona's 46. If they fail to win the league, it won't be for a lack of goals.
Overall, Madrid's victory over Espanyol was a positive step for the team as they look to chase down Barcelona. The match showcased the depth and quality of Madrid's squad, as they found goals from unlikely sources and demonstrated their ability to fight back after going behind. With key fixtures against Liverpool and Barcelona coming up, Madrid will need to continue their strong performances if they hope to compete for silverware this season.
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