Real Madrid has taken over the lead in the Spanish league from FC Barcelona. Due to an economical 1-0 victory over last minute Espanyol, ‘the Royal’ is now two points ahead of competitor Barcelona, which lost points against Celta de Vigo (2-2) on Saturday.
After a strong start from Espanyol, where Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to be alert when Adrián Embarba and Marc Roca were deployed, Real gained a preponderance. After Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Casemiro and Eden Hazard missed opportunities, star Casemiro opened the score shortly before half-time after a sublime heel by Benzema, through the legs of opponent Bernardo Espinosa.
Real dominated after the break, but big chances failed to materialize, so Espanyol hoped for a fluke. It did not fall, although David López made a threat with a shot and Espinosa with a header.
For Real, the victory was sixth in a row, the best series in three years. Moreover, the leader already has three points more than in the full previous season. There are six rounds left in the Spanish league.
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