RCD Espanyol 1-0 Real Madrid: La Liga result as Los Blancos' title hopes dented by shock defeat

Real Madrid were stunned in a 1-0 defeat to relegation battlers RCD Espanyol in Barcelona on Saturday.

Carlos Romero volleyed home a delicate strike in the 85th minute to deliver Carlo Ancleotti’s side a knockout blow, as Los Blancos missed the opportunity to move four points clear at the top of La Liga.

Chances were few and far between in the first half with neither side able to test the opposition goalkeeper. According to Opta, Madrid’s three shots in the opening 45 minutes equalled their lowest tally away from home in the first half this season.

The biggest talking point was the forced substitution of Antonio Rudiger, who pulled up following an off-the-ball incident and had to be replaced on 15 minutes, adding to Madrid’s defensive injury woes.

Madrid began to get slightly more joy after the break but failed to capitalise when half-chances were presented to Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

The visitors had all the momentum as they searched for an opener and had more possession in a league match on the road (76%) than they have had since the 2005/06 season, Opta reported mid-game, but it was Espanyol who raced down the other end before taking a shock lead in the late stages.

Manolo Gonzalez’s outfit held on for a valuable three points to lift them out of the relegation zone, while Madrid handed third-place Barcelona the opportunity to cut the gap to four points.

Real face Atletico next week, and Diego Simeone’s side can leapfrog the European champions into first place with a win.

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That was a real chance for Carlo Ancelotti's side to build a considerable gap at the top of the table, despite having played a game more than Barcelona.

As it happens, they have failed to extend their lead over rivals Atletico Madrid in second place, while Barcelona have a massive chance to close the gap when they host Deportivo Alaves on Sunday with their game in hand.

Hansi Flick's outfit are still seven points behind as things stand, but have the chance to eat into that gap, knowing they still have to play Madrid at home.

As for Espanyol, what a brilliant performance to give themselves a massive boost in their hopes of staying up.

They frustrated Madrid from minute one and kept a lid on the Blancos pressure, refused to be bullied and took their golden chance when it was presented.

The La Liga leaders suffer a shock defeat in Barcelona, while Espanyol climb out of the relegation zone with three MASSIVE points!

And he blasts it over at the back post!

Last roll of the dice...

Madrid lump the ball in the box up to Rodrygo at the back post, but before he can challenge for the ball he loses his footing.

They have two more minutes to hang on, and right now they have the ball in the corner in Madrid's half.

It just hasn't happened for the European champions today.

He wraps his left foot around a shot just inside the box on the left and his effort flashes across the face of goal.

He's the last man back and almost gets caught on the halfway line. Instead, he draws the foul, but that could have been costly.

That's how long Madrid have to find an equaliser in added time at the end of the second half.

Espanyol are so close to what would be a heroic three points in their bid to escape the relegation zone.

How will they respond? Ancelotti chucks on Brahim Diaz in a last-ditch attempt to salvage something here in Barcelona.

Would you believe it, the deadlock has been broken and it's Espanyol who lead!

The defender meets a cross at the back post and delicately volleys it beyond Courtois and in at the back post.

Work for Madrid to do!

Modric is on for Ceballos.

Madrid get another corner which is swung in as both Tchouameni and Bellingham scrappily go for the ball which is guided over.

Madrid are banging on the door now.

Mbappe cuts inside from the left onto his right foot and blasts an effort across goal. It took a defection and Garcia welcomes the ball into his arms from the set-piece.

Rodrygo weaves his way into the box and stabs an effort towards the near post which Garcia touches onto the post before getting a fortunate bounce and recovering the ball.

It's a poor effort from the Englishman from outside the box and it's just starting to get a little bit desperate from Madrid.

Alejo Veliz replaces Fernandez.