Espanyol v Real Madrid | Match Highlights | LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 22

LaLiga leaders Real Madrid suffered a shocking setback on Saturday as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against relegation-threatened Espanyol, with a late Carlos Romero goal sealing a dramatic victory for the home side at the RCDE Stadium.

The result leaves Real Madrid precariously perched at the top of the table with 49 points, now just a single point ahead of city rivals Atlético Madrid, who secured a 2-0 win over Mallorca. The pressure is now mounting ahead of next weekend’s highly anticipated Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabéu, a match that could have significant ramifications on the title race. Meanwhile, third-placed Barcelona, currently on 42 points, have an opportunity to close the gap when they take on Alavés on Sunday.

Madrid had their moments in the match, with Vinícius Júnior seemingly giving them the lead in the 21st minute after a slick move involving Kylian Mbappé. However, the goal was swiftly ruled out after a VAR review determined that Mbappé had fouled Espanyol midfielder Pol Lozano in the buildup. It was a frustrating call for Madrid, who struggled to break down Espanyol’s disciplined defensive structure throughout the evening.

Despite dominating possession and registering multiple attempts on goal, the visitors found Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García in inspired form. The young shot-stopper produced a string of brilliant saves to deny Lucas Vázquez, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, frustrating Madrid's attacking contingent and keeping the scoreline level as the match progressed.

Madrid’s frustration deepened in the second half when a controversial refereeing decision left them feeling aggrieved. During a rapid counterattack, Romero appeared to foul Mbappé from behind as the Frenchman surged forward, a challenge that many expected to result in a red card. However, the referee brandished only a yellow, much to the fury of the Madrid players, who immediately called for a VAR review.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti did not hold back in his post-match press conference, expressing his displeasure over the officiating. “This foul is inexplicable, the decision they made, the referee, the VAR. The most important thing is to take care of the player and protect him. It was a very bad tackle that risked injury, which fortunately did not happen,” Ancelotti lamented, clearly exasperated by what he viewed as inconsistent refereeing.

As Madrid pushed for a late winner, Ancelotti introduced experienced playmaker Luka Modrić, the dynamic Brahim Díaz, and forward Raúl Asencio in a bid to inject creativity and urgency into his side’s play. However, the substitutions failed to yield the desired result, with Espanyol continuing to defend resolutely and Madrid’s attack growing increasingly desperate.

Then, in the 85th minute, Espanyol delivered the decisive blow. Right-back Omar El Hilali, who had been impressive throughout the game, delivered a perfectly weighted through-ball that bypassed Madrid’s defensive line and found Romero in stride. The young defender showed remarkable composure, firing a precise shot past Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to send the home crowd into rapturous celebration. The goal not only secured a crucial three points for Espanyol but also lifted them to 17th place in the standings, just above the relegation zone with 23 points.

For Espanyol, this victory was more than just a surprising upset; it was a much-needed boost in their fight for survival. Romero, the match-winner, encapsulated the team’s resilience and fighting spirit in his post-match interview. “I think this gives us life. We were playing good matches, competing, but we had to suffer. Our people give us an edge, and at home, we have to be strong. It’s going to be very difficult to take points away from us here,” Romero told DAZN, reflecting on the significance of the result.

Madrid’s loss raises serious concerns ahead of their next crucial fixtures. With the Madrid derby looming, Ancelotti’s side cannot afford any further slip-ups if they hope to maintain their grip on the LaLiga title race. The defeat also highlights some pressing issues for Los Blancos, particularly their occasional struggles to break down deep defensive blocks and their vulnerability to counterattacks.

Despite the setback, Real Madrid’s title hopes remain very much alive, but the margin for error has now narrowed. The coming weeks will test their resolve, character, and ability to respond under pressure. For Espanyol, this victory serves as a statement of intent, proving that they have the fight and determination to battle their way out of the relegation scrap and secure their top-flight status for another season.