(Football news) Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. Karim Benzema was unavailable due to injury along with Ferland Mendy and David Alaba. Antonio Rudiger was rested as Nacho took his place at center back with Eduardo Camavinga filling in at left back. Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio once again started on the bench as Carlo Ancelotti preferred his usual midfield. Los Blancos had a terrible start to the game as they couldn’t keep hold of the ball. 

Matters became worse when former academy player Joselu put Espanyol ahead. Real Madrid took a little time to get back in the groove but finally got the equalizer in the 22nd minute. Vinicius Jr went on a solo run and shot past a few defenders and the goalkeeper. Real Madrid  controlling the game and Espanyol were forced to park the bus. Eder Militao scored a header to give Los Blancos the lead in the 39th minute. The assist from Aurélien Tchouaméni was incredible as he crossed the ball from outside his boot like his teammate Luka Modric.

Marco Asensio scored in the 93rd minute to seal the victory for Real Madrid. The win put them 6 points behind Barcelona but the Blaugrana won at San Mames to make the gap 9 points against. Next up is the El Clasico at the Nou Camp where a win could seal the La Liga for Barcelona. Unfortunately for Real Madrid they have a UCL knockout game against Liverpool while Barcelona will be resting. Despite being 5-2 up in the Round of 16 tie, Los Blancos can’t afford to be complacent. Carlo Ancelotti is almost guaranteed to play his best XI including Benzema and Mendy who have returned to training.

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