Real Madrid back to winning ways

3-0 to Madrid against RCD Espanyol in matchday 18 of this season’s La Liga BBVA, goals coming from James Rodríguez, Gareth Bale and Nacho Fernández. Madrid were back to their best after an uncharacteristic pair of losses, and remain top. 

Carlo Ancelotti’s side flew out of the blocks, not allowing the visitors any time to settle on the ball. Karim Benzema soon hit the post, and after only twelve minutes James Rodríguez latched onto a left wing cross from Cristiano Ronaldo to make it 1-0. Madrid kept up the attack, and Gareth Bale scored a great free kick to make it 2-0 in the 28th minute. Whites’ keeper Iker Casillas was called into action a couple of times before the break, with Espanyol beginning to carve out chances but failing to make them count.

Fabio Coentrão was sent off in the 53rd minute, denting Madrid’s clear superiority. Espanyol did their best to take advantage of the extra man, with Madrid opting to try and take the sting out of the match. The home team finally went 3-0 ahead after a flowing counterattack, with sub Nacho Fernández putting the finishing touch on Álvaro Arbeloa’s cross, and the match.