Real Madrid welcomed Espanyol to the Spanish capital on Sunday looking for the three points to close the gap on second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Madrid started the match the better, but it was Espanyol that took a surprise lead when Sergio Garcia converted just past the 30-minute mark.
The home side were level moments before the interval, however, when Cristiano Ronaldo tapped home from close range.
Madrid moved into the lead after 48 minutes, meanwhile, with Fabio Coentrao converting from close range.
There was to be late drama, however, with Juan Albin finishing from close range in the latter stages to secure an incredible point.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action.
Evening all! Our second La Liga live commentary of Sunday comes from Madrid as Real Madrid welcome a struggling Espanyol outfit. Both sides are in desperate need of the three points, but for very different seasons. Madrid have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, but Espanyol have failed to pick up a singular win in the same period.
Madrid suffered disappointment in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday as they were beaten 2-1 by Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, they have struggled on the road this season with a recent league defeat against Real Betis. That said, they have been almost untouchable on their home patch this campaign and will be confident of picking up another three points this evening.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it certainly makes ugly reading for Espanyol. Madrid have won each of the last five matches, scoring 16 goals and conceding none. Yes, none. There are not too many people backing an away win this season, but wouldn’t it be just like the unpredictability of football for the unthinkable to happen?
Teams:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao; Modric, Khedira, Alonso; Ozil, Ronaldo, Callejon
Espanyol: Casilla; Forlin, Moreno, Colotto, Delgado; Mata, Verdu, Rodriguez, Simao, Wakaso; Garcia
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags have been completed. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I just cannot see any way how Real Madrid do not win this match. I am backing a 4-0 home win. Madrid get us underway on their home patch.
Madrid have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the match as you would expect. They really need a big performance this evening following their disappointment in the Copa del Rey last weekend. You just get the feeling that they need an early goal in order to settle everyone down.
CHANCE! An opportunity inside the opening five minutes for Cristiano Ronaldo as the attacker picks up possession before driving towards the edge of the box, but his strike is just wide of the target. It really has been all one-way traffic thus far with Espanyol chasing shadows in Madrid.
CHANCE! Another glorious chance for the home side as Ronaldo finds Modric in the penalty area, but the Croatian just cannot sort out his feet in time and pokes wide of the post. It really should have brought the opening goal. But the signs are there for Espanyol. They are going to be in for a long evening.
Madrid continue to dominate the possession with Ronaldo and Jose Callejon seeing plenty of the ball in the attacking third of the pitch. Each time Espanyol do gain hold of the ball, they simply cannot keep it with Sergio Garcia on his own in attack. They are so incredibly deep.
Danger signs once more for the away side as Hector Moreno fells Modric on the edge of the penalty area. Ronaldo takes the free kick from a wide area, but his effort is headed clear by Colotto. Espanyol have had a fair bit of defending to do inside the opening nine minutes here.
Espanyol finally find themselves in the Madrid half as Verdu looks for the run of Sergio Garcia, but the striker cannot collect and normal service is resumed with Madrid dominating the possession. But the score still remains level. Although I suspect that will change in the coming minutes. Another free kick is taken by Ozil, but Moreno gets up well to head clear.
Penalty claim for the home side as Delgado appears to handle in the penalty area, but the referee had already blown for a free kick for a foul earlier in the move. Espanyol have got away with one there. The away side again enjoy a decent spell with the ball, but it quickly ends as Khedira nips in and attempts to feed Ozil.
Another half-chance comes to Madrid as Ozil whips a dangerous cross towards Pepe, the defender makes good contact, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. Although it would not have counted with the linesman having raised his flag. Still 0-0 with 15 minutes on the clock.
First time Espanyol have gone beyond the Madrid defence as Garcia finds Simao in a wide position, but the winger can only drag his effort across the goal. However, that will provide them with confidence. It must be said that there is no atmosphere inside the ground this evening. Could you imagine if Madrid went behind?!
Slight sense of frustration for Madrid in the past few minutes with each free kick decision appearing to go against them. Meanwhile, their drop of tempo has allowed Espanyol to claw their way back into the match. But you just get the feeling that the first goal could open up the floodgates. If there indeed is a first goal of course.
It's good running from Wakaso as the speedy winger takes control of the ball before winning a free kick from Alonso. The resulting set piece is chipped in behind for Garcia, but the striker just cannot make contact with Pepe clearing the danger. Espanyol have taken control in the last couple of minutes.
Real panic in the Madrid defence at the moment as a loose pass from Pepe almost allows Garcia through on goal, but Sergio Ramos is on the cover and manages to clear the danger. The home side advance immediately down the other end with Ozil, but good pressure from Espanyol forces him away from the penalty area.
The Madrid players continue to air their frustrations as the referee awards another foul against them. It does appear that Espanyol have had the rub of the green thus far. Madrid attack once more in the shape of Coentrao, but once more the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, Modric is ruled offside moments later.
Another half-chance for the home side as Madrid feeds Callejon in the area, but a wonderful challenge from Moreno denies the winger. The pressure remains with Ronaldo passing and probing around the edge of the box, but it just isn't quite happening at the moment as the danger is cleared once more.
POST! Madrid come within a inch of taking the lead as Modric strikes a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, but it thumps off the foot of the post. So unlucky for the Croatian who has been his side's brightest spark thus far. Still 0-0 as we approach the 30-minute mark.
Espanyol have the chance to launch a counter attack as Wakaso finds Garcia out wide, but the latter's pass for Verdu is just too long. Meanwhile, change for the away side as Wakaso, who is on a yellow card, is taken off in place of Christian Alfonso. He just could not be risked.
Another half-chance for the home side as Modric spots the run of Callejon, but the Spaniard just stumbles at the vital moment and cannot sort his feet out. Espanyol live to fight another day. You suspect that there will be boos at the interval if it remains goalless.
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Espanyol (Sergio Garcia)
OH MY WORD! Wonderful finish from Sergio Garcia as the striker collects a long pass from Verdu before firing into the bottom corner. Entirely against the run of play. Silence in this wonderful stadium. How do Madrid respond?
Espanyol have certainly grown into this match after a difficult start to proceedings. But you have to question the Madrid defending there. Ramos and Pepe were both beaten by one straight pass, but take nothing away from the finish. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Wonderful goalkeeping from Kiko Casilla as the Espanyol stopper comes to collect a corner and takes the pressure of his defence when they most needed it. Madrid have responded well since falling behind, but have failed to really test Casilla. What a story we could have on the cards this evening.
In fairness to the home supporters they are remaining patient with their side struggling to create any real openings. But the goal has meant that Espanyol have retreated into their shell and you wonder whether that could be their undoing. Can they hold on until the interval?
Another half-chance for Garcia to run in behind the Madrid defence as Verdu plays a long ball towards the striker, but Pepe just steps across and Casillas is able to collect. Garcia has possession of the ball moments later, but he is lacking in options and the danger is cleared.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for Madrid to level the match as Ozil finds Ronaldo in the penalty area, but Casilla comes out to make a stunning save. The resulting corner causes problems in the Espanyol defence, but they manage to scramble clear.
Again it's brilliant play from Garcia as the Espanyol striker gains a free kick for his side in a wide area. It is wasting previous seconds at the end of this half. How good has he been thus far? The set piece is taken by Verdu, but Pepe heads clear.
The pressure continues as Madrid pass and probe around the edge of the Espanyol box, but it simply will not fall in the area. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Espanyol (Ronaldo)
Madrid level on the stroke of the interval as Cristiano Ronaldo meets a Khedira cross from close range to tap home from close range. What a moment that is in this match. Espanyol could not make it to the break.
Real Madrid 1-1 Espanyol
So there we have it. Espanyol appeared to be entering the break with their lead in tact, but a strike from Ronaldo in stoppage time levels the scores at the interval. You just get the feeling that the match has changed in that one instant.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Madrid have dominated the possession with 75%, but both teams have managed five attempts on goal. Each side has also registered just one shot on target apiece and both have hit the back of the net.
Madrid certainly started the match the better, but Espanyol did enjoy a decent period before taking the lead. Confidence seems a bit fragile in the Madrid side with their players afraid to force the issue. But it is difficult to see anything other than a Madrid win from this position.
In terms of the second period. It would not surprise me if Angel di Maria was introduced for the home side, but Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain are both injured. Espanyol lost a great deal of pace when they replaced Wakaso, but Christian Stuani is their obvious replacement from the bench.
Here we go then. Espanyol get the action underway in the second period. Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid. One change for Madrid at the interval with Di Maria replacing Modric. Slightly harsh on the Croatian who had been impressive in the opening half.
Decent start to the second period from Espanyol with Sergio Garcia attempting to find Verdu in the penalty area, but Pepe clears the danger. Madrid advance immediately down the other end, but Javi Lopez is on hand to put the ball behind for a corner under pressure from Callejon.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-1 Espanyol (Coentrao)
Madrid lead moments after the interval as Ronaldo spots the run of Coentrao in the penalty area and the Portuguese defender opens his body up before slotting under the goalkeeper. This match has turned around. It is so cruel on Espanyol.
Espanyol are really under pressure at the moment as they desperately attempt to keep hold of the ball. Ronaldo collects possession once more and attempts to feed Mesut Ozil, but the German just cannot collect and the danger is cleared.
CHANCE! Madrid come close to adding their third as Arbeloa pounces in the penalty area before firing a low shot towards goal, but it is a fine double save from Casilla and the danger is cleared. Espanyol really need to settle in the next five or so minutes.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ozil finds Di Maria in the penalty area, but the Argentine just cannot sort out his feet in time and the danger is cleared by Diego Colotto. It has been a much-improved performance from the home side in the second period thus far.
CHANCE! Madrid come within a whisker of adding their third as Ozil strikes an effort from outside the box, but somehow Casilla gets across to make the save. It took a huge deflection and the stopper had no right to save it. He has just kept his side in the match.
Another half-chance for Madrid to add their third as Ronaldo meets a bouncing ball in the penalty area, but he just cannot make connection and Casilla pounces. It was a terrific move in the build up to the chance with Callejon and Di Maria involved. Madrid at their best.
Espanyol make their second change of the match as Victor Sanchez is replaced by the experienced Spanish defender Joan Capdevilla. However, they are really struggling to gain any sort of possession. I just cannot see any possible way how Madrid do not win this match from this position.
Another half-chance for Madrid to extend their lead as Alonso whips a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Colotto is on hand to head clear. There is a strange atmosphere inside the ground at the moment with the Madrid supporters almost awaiting and expecting the third goal.
The pressure continues from the home side as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first one is cleared before a free kick is awarded during the second. It would be no exaggeration to say that Espanyol have simply not been in this second period.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Garcia pounces on a loose ball inside the penalty area before firing a cross to the far post, but Ramos rises highest to clear the danger. There is always that chance of a goal with just a 2-1 scoreline.
Again it's bright work from the away side as Simao dances into the Madrid defence before firing a low cross towards goal, but Pepe clears the danger. The resulting corner is taken by the winger, but his set piece fails to beat the first man and Madrid launch an attack of their own. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Espanyol make their third change of the match as Verdu is replaced by Juan Angel Albin. For all the talk of Madrid pressure, they lead by just the singular goal. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. But for the home side.
Madrid continue to dominate possession in the latter stages and come close to their third as Ozil drives a searching cross into the box, but it just evades Ronaldo before moving out of play. Meanwhile, the home side make another change as Callejon is replaced by Alvaro Morata.
Little over 15 minutes of football to play and Madrid remain in total control of the match. Ronaldo has a chance to add his second with a strike from long range, but it was always moving wide of the post. Not one of his best. But he has inspired his side this evening with a goal and an assist.
Half-chance for Morata to make an immediate impact as he meets a cross from Ronaldo in the box, but a mixture of goalkeeper and two defenders clears the danger. The look on the young striker's face says it all. He really should have put this match beyond Espanyol.
Slightly bitty period to the match at the moment with both teams giving away a host of free kicks in and around the centre circle. It is a strange atmosphere inside the ground. It is almost like Madrid are winning 4-0, there is no nervousness. Where is the Espanyol fight?
Very strange moment in the match there as Ronaldo picks up a yellow card for one of the softest free kicks you will ever see in your life. The tempo has gone from this match at the moment with Madrid passing around in midfield. I do not understand why Espanyol are not attempting to secure an equaliser.
Bit of a non-event at the moment as we enter the final seven minutes of action. Just a reminder to stay with us for the next live commentary in La Liga. Believe me you will not want to miss it. Just the small matter of first versus second as Barcelona host Atletico Madrid. Kickoff is at 8pm.
Half-chance for Ronaldo to add his second of the match as he strikes a free kick from outside the penalty area, but it smashes straight into the wall and the danger is cleared. As it stands Madrid will move two points behind Atletico Madrid.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for Espanyol to level the scores as Capdevilla ghosts into the Madrid penalty area, but he can only clip over the crossbar from close range. One goal and this one is a draw. It is not as comfortable as the match appears on the surface.
Decent pressure in the latter stages from Espanyol as they force two corners in quick succession, but Madrid just manage to clear the danger with some desperate defending. But the ball remains in and around the Madrid box.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-2 Espanyol (Albin)
OH MY WORD! Espanyol level in the final two minutes as Juan Albin ghosts into the penalty area before converting from close range. What has just happened? That goal could have ended Madrid's title bid.
Madrid desperately attempt to secure the winner as Ronaldo ghosts into the penalty area, but his shot is blocked. Meanwhile, the fourth official reveals that we will play an additional four minutes of action at the end of this match.
Espanyol go in search of the winner as they flood numbers forward in the attack. The last team to win here was Barcelona 12 months ago. Surely not? Surely they cannot win here? Little over two minutes of football to play.
Espanyol desperately attempt to clear the danger as they throw their bodies in front of the Madrid attack. It breaks for Ozil outside the box, but he just cannot sort out his feet and the danger is cleared. Little under 50 seconds of football remaining here. Incredible.
Real Madrid 2-2 Espanyol
So there we have it. An incredible finish to the match leaves Real Madrid 11 points behind Barcelona. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
