Real Madrid continue to compete with their arch-rivals FC Barcelona. The Spanish record champions won the home game against Espanyol Barcelona 4-1 (0-0) on matchday 6 of the Primera Division thanks to a strong second half. Real remain in second place in the standings, one point behind FC Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, who will play against Villarreal this Sunday (18.30).
Coach Carlo Ancelotti decided not to start Germany international Antonio Rüdiger against Espanyol. Brazilian star forward Vinícius Júnior was also dropped to the bench. Rüdiger came on late (84th minute) to replace Jude Bellingham.
The first goal of the match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu came in the second half. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (54) scored a bizarre own goal. The Belgian player put the ball into the net with his backheel.
Four minutes later, former Leverkusen man Daniel Carvajal equalised for the Champions League winners. Rodrygo (75′) and substitute Vinícius Júnior (78′) put Real on the road to victory. French superstar Kylian Mbappé made it 4-1 from the penalty spot.
