La Liga Update: Real Madrid Stays Unbeaten After Espanyol Win

Real Madrid Extends Winning Streak with Victory Over Espanyol

Real Madrid continued their dominant form in La Liga, earning a 2-0 win against Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu on September 20, 2025. This result not only preserved their perfect start to the season but also handed Espanyol their first defeat of the campaign. The Madrid side now sits five points clear at the top of the league table, underlining their early-season intent.

First Half: Militão Opens the Scoring with a Stunning Strike

The match began with high intensity as both teams sought to impose themselves. Real Madrid, buoyed by their home crowd, pressed forward from the outset. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Éder Militão unleashed a powerful long-range effort that found the back of the net. The Brazilian defender’s goal was not only a testament to his technical ability but also set the tone for the rest of the match.

Espanyol, who had been unbeaten up to this point in the season, struggled to respond. Their midfield was consistently disrupted by Madrid’s pressing, limiting their attacking opportunities. Despite a few promising moments, Espanyol failed to seriously test Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the first half.

Second Half: Mbappé’s Form Continues to Impress

Shortly after the interval, Real Madrid doubled their advantage. In the 47th minute, Kylian Mbappé demonstrated why he is considered one of the world’s most dangerous forwards. Receiving the ball outside the penalty area, Mbappé drove forward and struck a precise shot into the bottom corner. This goal was his seventh in just six La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this season, highlighting his immediate impact since joining the club.

Espanyol’s defense, which had been solid in previous matches, could do little to stop the Frenchman’s clinical finish. The visitors attempted to mount a comeback, but Real Madrid’s organization and discipline ensured that they rarely looked threatened for the remainder of the game.

Jude Bellingham Returns from Injury

Adding to the positive news for Real Madrid fans was the return of England international Jude Bellingham. The midfielder, who had been sidelined since undergoing shoulder surgery on July 16, made his comeback late in the match. Bellingham entered as a substitute in the final minutes, receiving a warm ovation from the Bernabéu faithful. His return is expected to further strengthen Madrid’s midfield options as the season progresses.

Bellingham’s recovery and return to action come at a crucial time, with Real Madrid facing a congested fixture list in the coming weeks. Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Bellingham’s professionalism and commitment during his rehabilitation, noting that his presence will be vital as the team competes on multiple fronts.

League Standings and Implications

With this victory, Real Madrid has now won all five of their opening La Liga matches, amassing a total of 15 points. Their unbeaten record puts them five points ahead of their closest rivals, sending a clear message to the rest of the league. The team’s defensive solidity, combined with their attacking prowess, has made them early favorites in the title race.

Espanyol, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat of the season but remain in a respectable position in the table. Their performance at the Bernabéu showed resilience, but the gap in quality was evident. The Barcelona-based club will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures and maintain their strong start to the campaign.

Key Players and Tactical Observations

Kylian Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid has transformed the team’s attacking options. His ability to score from a variety of positions keeps opposing defenses on edge, while his link-up play with teammates such as Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo has added a new dimension to Madrid’s offense. Éder Militão’s goal highlighted the contributions of defenders in attack, a feature that has become increasingly important in modern football.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical approach has emphasized both defensive stability and quick transitions. The midfield trio, now bolstered by Bellingham’s return, provides a blend of creativity and work rate. Real Madrid’s ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of matches has been a key factor in their early success.

Looking Ahead: Real Madrid’s Upcoming Challenges

Real Madrid faces a demanding schedule in the coming weeks, with fixtures in both domestic and European competitions. The return of key players from injury, combined with the team’s current form, puts them in a strong position to continue their winning run. However, maintaining consistency will be crucial as the season progresses and the challenges intensify.

Espanyol, despite the setback, have shown enough quality in their opening matches to suggest they can compete for a top-half finish. Their focus will now shift to regrouping and preparing for their next league encounter.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s 2-0 triumph over Espanyol underscores their dominance in the early stages of the La Liga season. With standout performances from Mbappé and Militão, and the return of Jude Bellingham, the club looks well-equipped to sustain their title challenge. Fans will be eager to see if this impressive form can be maintained as the campaign unfolds.

For more details on the match and La Liga standings, visit La Liga Official Website and Real Madrid CF.