Gerard Moreno netted a stunning late strike to give Espanyol a surprise 1-0 win over Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane’s decision to rest a number of key players backfiring.
Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were both rested for the match, with starting places handed to fringe players like Achraf Hakimi, Marcos Llorente, Mateo Kovacic and Nacho Fernandez. The changes resulted in a disjointed performance from the visitors, though.
They struggled to create goalscoring chances throughout, with Espanyol the more likely of the two teams to find the net. Gerard was the standout for the hosts and he scored a late winner deep into stoppage time, sending a half-volley strike past Keylor Navas to finish off a rapid counter attacking move.
Espanyol's Nicaraguan forward Oscar Duarte (L) vies with Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale during the Spanish league football match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid CF at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on February 27, 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
The result does little to affect Real Madrid’s position in La Liga, with the reigning champions remaining in third place, but Zidane will be concerned with how the defeat has disrupted the momentum that had been building in recent weeks.
Gerard Moreno of RCD Espanyol celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 27, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.
Image credit: Getty Images
TALKING POINT - How can Zinedine Zidane draw Gareth Bale out of his slump?
For all that Real Madrid’s attack has been reinvigorated in recent weeks, Gareth Bale has found form hard to come by. Against Espanyol, with Benzema and Ronaldo both rested, the Welshman was handed a role as the central striker. This was an attempt by Zidane to get Bale out of his slump, but it didn’t work as plan. Bale was anonymous throughout and did nothing to suggest he’s anywhere near his best at present.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Gerard Moreno (Espanyol)
In a match of few clear-cut chances, he was probably the most potent player on the pitch. Therefore, Real Madrid should have been more vigilant in stoppage time, allowing Moreno the time and space to send a well-timed half volley strike past Navas. The Espanyol striker has been tipped for Spain’s squad for the World Cup and this goal will do his cause no harm. Moreno was the standout for the hosts.
PLAYER RATINGS
Espanyol - Lopez 7, Navarro 6, Aaron 7, Duarte 5, Piatti 5, Darder 7, Sanchez 6, Victor 6, Lopez 6, Gerard 8, Garcia 7. Subs - Granero 5, Baptistao 6.
Real Madrid - Navas 7, Achraf 6, Ramos 4, Varane 6, Nacho 5, Llorente 6, Kovacic 5, Isco 5, Asensio 5, Vazquez 6, Bale 4. Subs - Benzema 5, Ceballos 5, Mayoral.
KEY MOMENTS
29’ BIG MORENO CHANCE! That was a real opportunity for the home side to take the lead. Varane's poor pass was pounced upon and Moreno raced through, but the save was made to send it wide.
31’ GOAL CHALKED OFF! Moreno has the ball in the back of the Real Madrid net, but it's been ruled out. It was a good finish from the Espanyol attacker, but he's been called for offside.
48’ OFF THE TOP OF THE BAR! Darder got on the end of the corner kick into the Real Madrid box, but his looping header comes off the top of the bar. Navas had it covered.
90’ CURLED WIDE! That wasn't far away from a dramatic winner for the home side. Moreno tried to guide a curling shot in at the back post, but the effort flashes across goal and wide.
90+2’ GOAL! Espanyol 1-0 Real Madrid: Espanyol have snatched it right at the death! The hosts fly forward on the counter attack, with the cross met on the half volley by Moreno. He guides an excellent shot past Navas. Great finish! That's the winner.
Gerard Moreno of RCD Espanyol celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium on February 27, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain
Image credit: Getty Images
KEY STATS
Gareth Bale equaled David Beckham's record as the British player with the most La Liga appearances against Espanyol tonight (116 apps).
Espanyol have now beaten Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid this season.
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