Real Madrid return to league action with 3-1 win over Espanyol

Real Madrid beat Espanyol 3-1 at the Di Stéfano on 17 October in their return to league competition, dominating the match from start to finish under Pau Quesada.

Däbritz opened the scoring just before the interval, Beerensteyn doubled the lead early in the second half and Schröder added a third before Bicho pulled one back in stoppage time for the visitors.

Beerensteyn denied early

Real Madrid started strongly and came close to scoring in the seventh minute, when a cross from Linda C. was met by a header from Beerensteyn that crashed against the crossbar.

Quesada's side continued to create chances as they pressed for the breakthrough, and it arrived just before half-time. The goal came in added time, when a cross from Däbritz turned into a goal and beat Meri Muñoz in the Espanyol goal.

Beerensteyn and Schröder settle it

The 2-0 almost arrived immediately after the break. Caruso took a free kick that forced a fine save from Meri Muñoz, but the rebound fell to M. Méndez, whose shot in the six-yard area struck the body of the visiting goalkeeper.

Beerensteyn then had an even clearer opportunity in the 66th minute, going one-on-one with the Espanyol goalkeeper, who again stood out. Four minutes later, though, the Real Madrid forward made no mistake, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to make it 2-0.

Schröder, on as a substitute, scored the third ten minutes from the end after a brilliant dribble inside the box.

Bicho's stoppage-time reply

Espanyol reduced the deficit in stoppage time through Bicho, but the goal came too late to trouble the hosts, and the match finished 3-1.

Line-ups

Real Madrid lined up with Frohms, Noe, M. Méndez, S. Cristóbal, Andersson, Däbritz, Caruso, Elisa, Athenea, Linda C. and Beerensteyn. Däbritz and Athenea were replaced by Pau C. and Schröder on the hour, with Andreia JJ and Angeldahl coming on for Caruso and Beerensteyn in the 76th minute and Eva Navarro replacing Elisa in the 83rd.

Espanyol started with Meri Muñoz, Domènech, Raquel G., Guerra, L. Vallejo, Mar Torras, Paula G., Bicho, Ona, Escot and Browne. Anita Marcos replaced Escot in the 66th minute, with Patri Ojeda, Iara and Arana coming on for Raquel G., Mar Torras and Ona in the 75th minute, and Clara replacing Browne in the 83rd.

SportsLigue