Carlos Romero scored the only goal of the match as Espanyol recorded a shock 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in Saturday night's La Liga contest in Catalonia.
Los Blancos entered the match knowing that a victory would move them four points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the top of the La Liga table and 10 ahead of third-placed Barcelona ahead of the latter's clash with Alaves on Sunday.
However, relegation-threatened Espanyol stunned the reigning champions courtesy of a late goal from Romero, with his effort securing a famous three points for the Catalan side.
Espanyol have moved out of the relegation zone, now sitting in 17th spot in the division courtesy of just their sixth league success of the campaign, while it is just a third league defeat of the season for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Real Madrid entered the match off the back of five straight wins in all competitions, scoring 20 times in the process, but an improving Espanyol had quietly picked up five points from their last three in the league and suffered just one defeat in their last six.
That being said, not too many would have predicted what occurred on Saturday evening, with Real Madrid simply stunned.
In truth, Los Blancos should have put the game beyond their opponents by the latter stages of the match, with Ancelotti's side having 21 shots, but it was an off-night for their attacking players, with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe in particular struggling to make their mark.
Real Madrid, who lost Antonio Rudiger to an injury in the early stages, remain top of the division and still in charge of the title race, but this was a huge setback against a side that are battling to remain in La Liga for the 2024-25 campaign, particular as it has come ahead of the Madrid derby next weekend.
Premier League champions Manchester City will also certainly have been encouraged by what occurred on the night, as Pep Guardiola's side prepare to tackle the European champions in the playoff round of the Champions League.
ESPANYOL VS. REAL MADRID HIGHLIGHTS
85th min: Espanyol 1-0 Real Madrid (Carlos Romero)
Espanyol stun Real Madrid in the 85th minute of the contest, as a breakaway from the hosts leads to El Hilali delivering a cross into Romero, who fires into the back of the net - Real Madrid are now staring at a damaging defeat here.
MAN OF THE MATCH - OMAR EL HILALI
© Imago
El Hilali was the standout player on the pitch on Saturday night, with the Espanyol right-back putting in an outstanding performance - it was his cross that allowed the hosts to take the lead late on, but his overall display was excellent.
The 21-year-old made five tackles during a strong defensive performance, while he also contributed down the other end, with the defender playing a leading role in the Catalan team collecting a huge three points in their battle against relegation.
ESPANYOL VS. REAL MADRID MATCH STATS
Possession: Espanyol 24%-76% Real Madrid
Shots: Espanyol 5-21 Real Madrid
Shots on target: Espanyol 2-7 Real Madrid
Corners: Espanyol 1-8 Real Madrid
Fouls: Espanyol 14-3 Real Madrid
BEST STAT
3 - Real Madrid attempted just 3 shots in the first 45 minutes against Espanyol, equalling their lowest tally in a first half of an away game this season in any competition. Cold. pic.twitter.com/glwrpVMDbD
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 1, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid's attention will now switch to the Copa del Rey, preparing to face Leganes in the quarter-finals of the competition on Wednesday, before the small matter of a Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid in La Liga next Saturday.
Espanyol, meanwhile, will be aiming to continue their strong form when they head to Real Sociedad in La Liga next Sunday.
Matt Law
