(Football news) Barcelona comfortably defeated Espanyol 4-0 at the Nou Camp. Jules Kounde made his professional debut for Barcelona as he started at right back but was then reverted to the centre. Alex Balde was in the starting XI for the 2nd game in a row despite Jordi Alba being fit. Frenkie De Jong once again was benched as was Ansu Fati despite his game changing performance last week. Barcelona scored 2 goals in each half to complete an important win. Robert Lewandowski scored twice while Pedri and Sergi Roberto got one. This was Lewandowski's 2nd brace in a row which takes his season tally to 4.
Both the assists to Lewandowski were by Ousmane Dembele who continues to impress. Raphinha, who was constantly interchanging wings with Dembele also got an assist. Roberto's goal will be a massive confidence booster for him after a tough last season. He looks very comfortable at right back and would be a great asset in a long season. After phasing out Gerard Pique it looks like Xavi is doing the same with Jordi Alba. Now Sergio Busquets is the only senior player who is left and his replacements are also on the bench in the form of Frank Kessie and Frenkie De Jong. Next week the Blaugrana face their toughest challenge yet at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium against Sevilla.
Real Madrid got a hard fought 3-1 win away at Espanyol. Due to the renovation works at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have had to play 3 away games on the trot and they have managed to keep a 100% record as they sit on top of the table. They are level on points with Real Betis who is their next opponent in their first home game. Real Madrid started the game with the midfield of Toni Kroos, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Luka Modric. The big news was that Ferland Mendy started on the bench and David Alaba played at left back with Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao at the heart of the defence. Madrid got off to a good start as Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinicius Jr combined to score a well worked goal in the 12th.
Los Blancos dominated the rest of the half but took the step off the gas during the final minutes and conceded in the 43rd minute. Former Real Madrid player Joselu who has an excellent record against them scored the goal. Carlo Ancelotti made a couple of substitutions and his side were banging on the door and finally got the winner when Rodrygo assisted Karim Benzema in the 88th minute. In the dying minutes of the game the Espanyol goalkeeper was sent off for a foul on Dani Ceballos. Benzema scored his 2nd via the freekick as Real Madrid claimed the 3 points. It wasn't the most clinical performance by the Merengues but away from home against a complicated side it is what was needed.
Also read: Here’s a recap from the weekend’s Premier League action
