Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol in a match played at Stage Front Stadium in the second round of LaLiga.
Real Madrid started the game strongly and took the lead in the ninth minute through Jude Bellingham. Arda Güler delivered a precise cross from a free-kick, which Bellingham met with a powerful header that found the back of the net.
Espanyol responded in the 30th minute, with Álex Calatrava restoring parity after meeting a well-placed cross from Javi Hernández with a direct finish past Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid intensified their efforts to regain the lead before halftime, with Kylian Mbappé coming close to scoring on several occasions. However, Espanyol’s goalkeeper produced a series of impressive saves to keep his team in the game, with the first half ending 1-1.
The visitors continued to dominate after the break in search of the winning goal, but Espanyol’s defense and goalkeeper stood firm against Real Madrid’s attacks, particularly Mbappé’s attempts.
Federico Valverde came close to putting Real Madrid back in front with a powerful shot that struck the underside of the crossbar, as the visitors continued their search for the decisive goal until the final moments.
Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, substitute Carlos Espe scored the winning goal for Real Madrid, securing three valuable points for his team in the second round of LaLiga.