Real Madrid Beat Espanyol 2-1 with Late Espí Winner
Real Madrid claimed a dramatic late win over Espanyol, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in their second La Liga match of the season at the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat.
Real started brightly and took the lead in the ninth minute through Jude Bellingham, who rose to meet an Arda Güler free-kick delivery and powered a header past the Espanyol goalkeeper.
Espanyol responded well and drew level in the 30th minute. A well-worked attack ended with Javi Hernández crossing for Alex Calatrava, who beat Thibaut Courtois with a clinical finish.
Real pushed to restore their lead before half-time, with Kylian Mbappé missing several clear chances as the Espanyol goalkeeper produced a string of important saves to keep the scores level.
The pattern continued after the break, with Real dominant in search of a winner but repeatedly denied by a resolute Espanyol defence and another fine display from their goalkeeper, who was again called upon to thwart Mbappé.
Federico Valverde came close with a strike that struck the base of the post, but Real’s persistence was finally rewarded in the first minute of stoppage time, as substitute Carlos Espí struck the winner to complete the comeback.
