Real Suffer Shock First LaLiga Loss
04 October, 2021
It's not been a good week for Real Madrid, who have suffered their first defeat of the LaLiga season at the hands of Espanyol on Sunday afternoon.
LaLiga
Result: Espanyol 2-1 Real Madrid
Date: 03 October 2021
Venue: RCDE Stadium
Los Blancos were eager to get back to winning ways after their shock defeat to Sheriff in the UEFA Champions League, as Carlo Ancelotti recalled Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez to the starting line-up.
However, the visitors did not get off to the perfect star as the opening goal went to Espanyol on 17 minutes when Raul de Tomas turned home Embarba's cross from the right.
Los Blancos looked to get themselves back into the contest, but it was the hosts who went close to doubling the lead on 39 minutes Embarbab once again picked out De Tomas, who sent his strike inches wide of the upright.
Ancelotti's men enjoyed a lot of the possession in the opening 45 minutes, but they found it tough to break down the Espanyol defence who did well thwart every attempt in the final third.
The Los Blancos coach responded with a change at the start of the second half, as Rodrygo replaced Camavinga as they went in search of the equaliser.
Espanyol went on to grab the next goal on the hour mark as former Barcelona man Aleix Vidal skipped past Nacho before firing home at the near post.
Casemiro and Luka Jovic were introduced soon after, which paid off for the visitors as Jovic made his way into the box before picking out Karim Benzema for the close-range finish on 71 minutes.
Los Blancos threw everything forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages, but Espanyol defended with all their lives and held on for a famous win.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za
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