Real Madrid edge past Espanyol with late Carlos Espi own-goal error

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Espanyol in the second week of La Liga after Carlos Espi capitalised on a costly defensive mistake in the closing stages.

Jude Bellingham had given Real Madrid the lead after 15 minutes, meeting an Arda Guler free-kick from the left with a header that found the right-hand corner of the net.

Espanyol responded after the break, with Alex Calatrava equalising following a pass from Javier Hernandez on the left side of the penalty area. Calatrava collected the ball and directed his finish into the right side of the goal.

Real Madrid dominated possession for much of the match, holding 60% compared with Espanyol’s 40%, but struggled to turn that control into clear chances. Kylian Mbappe tested Marco Dmitrovic from inside the box, while another effort from distance was comfortably gathered by the Espanyol goalkeeper.

Espanyol threatened when Roberto Fernandez headed or shot over from inside the area, but Real Madrid gradually increased the pressure as the match moved towards its final stages.

Bellingham came close to adding a second when his header from another Guler corner was superbly saved by Dmitrovic. Ibrahima Konate also saw a header from a Guler delivery held by the goalkeeper.

With five minutes remaining, the match appeared to be heading for a draw. Federico Valverde then struck the left post with a shot from the edge of the area, before Real Madrid continued to press through a series of corners.

The decisive moment came late on when Espi intercepted the ball inside his own penalty area after a serious defensive error. With the goal unguarded, he finished into the middle of the net to put Real Madrid back in front.

There were four minutes of added time, during which Pol Lozano and Pere Milla were booked for Espanyol. Real Madrid held on to claim the points.

The visitors had several opportunities before and after the equaliser. Denzel Dumfries forced a save from Dmitrovic with a shot from inside the box, while Mbappe had an effort from outside the area blocked by the defence and another attempt held by the goalkeeper.

Vinicius Junior won a free-kick in an attacking position and was later shown a yellow card. Espanyol’s Alex Calatrava was also cautioned after scoring, while Clemens Riedl, Edu Exposito and Pol Lozano received further bookings. Espanyol’s Pere Milla was shown a yellow card in the final moments.

Real Madrid appealed for a penalty during the second half, but the referee waved play on. The visitors were also awarded several corners, with Guler, Bernardo Silva and Vinicius Junior involved in the delivery of set-pieces that Espanyol’s defence repeatedly cleared.

Espanyol’s defensive organisation kept the game level for long periods, despite sustained Real Madrid pressure. Real Madrid were penalised for one foul compared with seven committed by Espanyol at one stage of the match.

The game began quietly, with both sides cautious during the opening minutes. Real Madrid went into the interval ahead after three minutes of added time in the first half, but Espanyol improved after the restart and found their equaliser through Calatrava.

Both teams made a series of substitutions, including their first, second, third, fourth and fifth changes. Play was also briefly stopped so Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen could receive treatment before the match resumed.

Real Madrid ultimately finished the contest stronger, and Espi’s late mistake ensured Bellingham’s opener was enough to be converted into a winning result.