Real Madrid suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Espanyol, with a late goal from Carlos Romero securing a 1-0 victory for the underdogs. This unexpected loss leaves Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table with 49 points, just one point ahead of Atlético Madrid. Barcelona, currently in third place with 42 points, are set to face Alavés the following day.
The game started with a controversial disallowed goal by Vinícius Júnior in the 21st minute, after Kylian Mbappé was deemed to have fouled Espanyol’s Pol Lozano in the build-up. Despite several attempts by Lucas Vázquez, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham in the second half, Espanyol’s goalkeeper, Joan García, thwarted all of Real Madrid’s efforts to score.
The turning point came in the 85th minute when Carlos Romero capitalized on Omar El Hilali’s through-ball, finding the back of the net and securing a crucial victory for Espanyol. This goal not only lifted Espanyol to 17th place in the standings with 23 points but also injected new life into the LaLiga title race.
Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, expressed frustration over a controversial foul on Mbappé by Romero, which resulted in a yellow card and no VAR review. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of player safety, highlighting the risks associated with such tackles on the field.
Despite making late substitutions with Luka Modric, Brahim Díaz, and Raúl Asencio, Real Madrid failed to mount a comeback, ultimately falling short against a determined Espanyol side. Romero’s goal not only secured a crucial win for his team but also highlighted the unpredictability of football and the competitive nature of LaLiga.
Romero’s post-match comments reflected the significance of the victory for Espanyol, emphasizing the team’s resilience and the support they receive from their fans. Looking ahead, Espanyol aims to maintain their strong home form and continue challenging opponents in the league.
The match between Espanyol and Real Madrid showcased the unpredictable nature of football, with underdogs rising to the occasion and delivering surprising results. As the LaLiga title race heats up, every game becomes pivotal, setting the stage for intense competition and unexpected outcomes.
