Real Madrid regain top spot in La Liga despite losing Ronaldo and Bale

The absence of two of their best players hardly affected Real's strength, who beat Espanyol 2-0 in round four of La Liga.

James Rodriguez shines at the right time for Real. Photo: Reuters

Goals: James 45', Benzema 71'

While Ronaldo and Bale were both out due to fitness issues, their two substitutes, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez, both performed well. Together with their teammates, the two players contributed to creating an overwhelming game and victory for Real. At the decisive moment, James Rodriguez made the advantage concrete with a precise long-range shot before Karim Benzema tapped in to make it 2-0.

The victory at Espanyol's home ground not only meant three points, but also brought pride to Real. After this victory, fans will have a different view of a Real that often depends on Ronaldo and Bale. The Bernabeu team is still the only team to have won all of La Liga since the beginning of the season, and is currently the sole leader with 12 points.

In contrast to Real's position, Espanyol continue to sink to the bottom of the table. The team has only two points from two draws, while the other two matches have resulted in defeats. After returning from Watford, coach Quique Sanchez has still not won a single game.

For Espanyol, things could have been different if the players had taken better advantage of their opportunities. In the 17th minute, Leo Baptistao almost opened the score when his shot hit the goalkeeper's foot.Kiko Casilla. At the end of the first half, Espanyol's main striker had another chance and the resultno better: the ball went wide of the goal.

The home team may have to regret a lot about wasting good finishing situations, especially when Real took the lead in the 45th minute. Contrary to what his Espanyol colleagues showed, James showed the difference in class with a long-range shot that broke the net of goalkeeper Diego Lopez. In this situation, two Espanyol players made a serious mistake in marking James in the midfield area.

Espanyol played unprepared for James's shot.

With the opening goal, Real entered the second half with a huge psychological advantage. The attack played more cohesively and effectively, while the defense easily neutralized Espanyol's counterattacks. In the 59th minute, Benzema could have increased the score to 2-0 if Diego Lopez had not brilliantly blocked a volley from close range. In the 71st minute, Benzema made no mistake when he accurately cushioned the ball from Vazquez's cross.

Espanyol’s late attacks were too little too late to give the fans any hope. Striker Felipe Caicedo had two chances to score but failed to score. One was blocked by Pepe, the other went straight into Casilla’s reach.

After four wins in a row, Real will soon have the opportunity to increase the gap when they host Villarreal in the match next Wednesday night. At the same time, Barca will face Atletico Madrid in the fifth round of La Liga.

Benzema scored a goal while Espanyol defender was helpless.

According to VNE