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Espanyol 1-3 Real Madrid: Benzema’s brace secured Madrid’s victory

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espanyol 1-3 real madrid

Espanyol 1-3 Real Madrid Match Report: Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 3-1 on Sunday night to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, thanks in large part to a thrilling late brace from Karim Benzema.

Espanyol 1-3 Real Madrid

Espanyol 1-3 Real Madrid: As it happened

Vinicius Junior gave Los Blancos the lead before Joselu pulled them level, but the star striker Benzema snatched the victory for the guests in the 88th minute by netting Rodrygo’s cross. Then, when goalie Benjamin Lecomte was dismissed, he scored from a free kick.

Up until the visitors scored their first goal in the 12th minute, chances were few. Following Casemiro’s transfer to Manchester United, Tchouameni, who was at the base of Real’s midfield, pushed forward and combined with Lucas Vazquez before finding Vinicius for the far-corner goal.

Before Espanyol got back on even footing, the Brazilian forced a good stop from Lecomte. Joselu, a former Newcastle striker, was assisted by Oscar Gil, who then assisted Joselu in his second attempt to equalize.

As Joselu was waiting at the back post for a fast corner, Brian Olivan nearly gave the home team the lead, but Courtois rose to stop him.

Read Also: Barcelona 4-0 Real Valladolid: Lewandowski brace sinks visitors

Lecomte was then required to make another crucial save, diving at full stretch to stop Benzema following fine driving midfield work from Eduardo Camavinga, who was substituted.

Rodrygo darted inside and clipped a brilliant cross towards the near post for the waiting Benzema to prod in on the volley and restore Real to the top of the La Liga standings, ensuring the victory for the visitors.

The action didn’t end there, either, as Lecomte, the home goalie, struck Dani Ceballos on the edge of the box and was eventually issued a red card by the officials after much deliberations.

From the ensuing free kick, substitute goalkeeper Leandro Cabrera had no chance as Benzema speared his strike into the near corner to accentuate the score. Cabrera’s footwork got him into a mess.

Real Madrid player ratings vs. Espanyol in the La Liga

Real Madrid (4-3-3)

GK: 7/10 for Thibaut Courtois called to action frequently and prevented his side from going behind. At Joselu’s second request, I was unable to refuse.

RB Lucas Vazquez earned a score of 6/10 for his tireless work down the right side of the field.

Eder Militao, CB: 5/10 a little unlucky that Joselu scored the equalizer after the ball ricocheted off his back. Consistently lacking in persuasion.

CB: 6/10 Antonio Rudiger excellent with the ball, rarely losing it. powerful in defense.

LB: David Alaba, 7 out of 10. stepped up a lot and connected with Vinicius well.

CM: 5/10 for Luka Modric He was not at his majestic best and was appropriately replaced by Camavinga so that the midfield would have some extra legs.

8/10 for CM Aurelien Tchouameni. After Casemiro left, I was given the opportunity to start, and I didn’t let down. I recovered the ball skillfully and advanced attacks from the middle of the field.

Toni Kroos, a central midfielder, earned a score of 6/10 after accumulating a game-high 97 touches. Did occasionally lose the ball too readily.

6/10 for Federico Valverde on RW did not avoid his duties, yet he strained to attack with any fluidity.

Karim Benzema earned a 7/10 for saving his best for last, connecting with Vinicius’ cross and completing the scoring with a free kick.

Vinicius Jr. scored an 8 out of 10. exhibited the cold edge he has given his game with the night’s opening play. Had a few further attempts saved and blocked, but maintained a menacing appearance the entire night.

Eduardo Camavinga (58′ for Modric) – 7/10 – Aided Real in their midfield-based attack.

SUB: Rodrygo (58′ for Valverde) – 7/10 – Benzema scored on a great cross to make it 2-1.

SUB: Dani Ceballos (in the 80th minute for Kroos) – 6/10 – Lecomte kicked him in the leg as the goalkeeper was dismissed, and Benzema converted the next free kick.

Dani Carvajal (85th) replaces Vazquez. – 6/10 – On for the last few phases, which took a significant amount of extra time.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti: 7/10 Real’s extra legs helped them cross the finish line because Ancelotti timed his first replacements perfectly. 
a fruitful evening’s labor. 

Man of the match: Aurelien Tchouameni 

English Premier League

Rangers Youngster Sets Celtic Fans Alight with Bold Celebration in Epic Kilmarnock Moment

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 Rangers Youngster Sets Celtic Fans Alight with Bold Celebration in Epic Kilmarnock Moment!

In a Scottish Premiership clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, Rangers’ loanee Findlay Curtis turned heads with a cheeky celebration that has since gone viral online. The 19-year-old, on loan at Kilmarnock, was at the heart of the drama as his side surged into an early lead against fierce rivals Celtic at Rugby Park — and he didn’t hold back in celebrating it.

 

Curtis, deployed in a more advanced role for this fixture, made the most of his opportunity. After Tyreece John-Jules opened the scoring and Kilmarnock doubled their advantage, cameras caught the young winger raising his arms and gesturing in celebration directly in front of the Celtic supporters in the away end — a moment that instantly lit up social media.

 

Although his exuberant celebration was quickly cut short when veteran keeper Kasper Schmeichel ushered him away, the damage was done — pundits and fans alike have been talking about it ever since. That kind of on-field bravado in front of the rival support doesn’t happen every day, and it’s one that will stick in the minds of supporters on both sides.

Whether you see it as passionate football emotion or a bit of mind games, Curtis’ reaction added another unforgettable moment to a season already packed with drama and rivalry — showing once again why the Scottish Premiership never fails to entertain.

 

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English Premier League

End of the Road at Parkhead? Andy Walker Drops Brutal Verdict on Celtic’s Japanese Duo

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“Are Celtic’s Japanese Stars Past Their Best? Andy Walker Predicts End of the Road for Maeda & Hatate”

Recent pundit commentary has stirred fresh debate among fans of Celtic Football Club, with veteran analyst Andy Walker making bold claims about two of the team’s key Japanese players — Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate. Walker’s verdict? This could be the final chapter at Parkhead for both players if they don’t turn their seasons around.

Struggles on the Pitch

Walker’s view stems from both men’s current dip in form. Hatate, normally a creative midfield presence, was recently scrutinised after a costly mistake led to a penalty for Livingston — and Walker suggested it might be time for him to lose his place temporarily in the starting XI to find confidence again.

Meanwhile, Maeda — who once electrified Scottish football with blistering pace and a PFA Player of the Year-winning season — has yet to recapture that spark this campaign. The forward is playing well below the high standards he set previously, and Walker believes both he and Hatate may have run their course at Celtic unless they rediscover their best form before the season ends.

Why This Matters

Walker’s assessment resonates beyond just match performance:

  • Maeda’s Blocked Transfer: Earlier in the season, Maeda openly admitted he wanted a move away — only for Celtic to block it — and pundits speculated this block may have affected his focus and sharpness.
  • Legacy and Timing: If both players fail to make a strong impact before the campaign’s conclusion, Walker argues their legacies at Celtic could be overshadowed by disappointment rather than remembered for their earlier success.

 The Bigger Picture

Celtic’s squad is at a crossroads. With new tactics, fresh faces and evolving expectations under manager Brendan Rodgers, long-serving players must justify their place or risk being phased out. Walker’s blunt but insightful commentary has sparked fresh debate among supporters over who should lead the club forward — and who’s time might be running out.

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English Premier League

Adrie van der Poel deelt verontrustend bericht over Mathieu

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Wout van Aert kende een dramatische afloop aan de cross in Mol, maar ook Mathieu van der Poel kwam niet ongeschonden uit deze wedstrijd. De Nederlander had het bijzonder koud, en kwam zelf eerder ook ten val. Vader Adrie zag daar een probleem.

 

Valpartij had invloed

Nochtans maakte Van der Poel duidelijk dat hij geen schade heeft overgehouden aan zijn tuimeling: “Eigenlijk viel ik zelfs nog zacht”, aldus de Nederlander. “Ik kreeg gewoon mijn voet niet uit mijn klikpedaal in het zand, waardoor ik stomweg omviel. Maar ik heb er gelukkig geen last van.”

 

Zo zag vader Adrie het echter niet tijdens de wedstrijd. In een interview met Sporza stelde hij immers dat Van der Poel last ondervond van zijn eerdere valpartij, eerder nog dan van de koude. Al voegde Adrie er ook wel aan toe dat zijn zoon niet bepaald staat te springen voor een koers in de sneeuw.

 

Van der Poel viseert enkel de koude

Reken daarbij nog de haast ondragelijke koude, en we kregen een verkleumde Van der Poel te zien na de finish. In zijn interviews achteraf stond hij nog steeds te bibberen, en maakte de wereldkampioen duidelijk dat hij behoorlijk hard had afgezien.

 

“Het was geen aangename cross. Ik heb het nu al een beetje warmer, maar ik heb zeker veel koud geleden vandaag”, luidde het bij MVDP. “Je weet ook dat wanneer je nadien weer opwarmt, het vijf minuten echt veel pijn gaat doen. Met dat gevoel was ik de laatste rondes al bezig.”

 

Voor Van der Poel was de conclusie dan ook duidelijk: “Dit was de moeilijkste wedstrijd van het jaar. Na een tijd hadden mijn handen en voeten zo veel koud dat het niet meer vanzelf ging.” Nu maar hopen dat vader Adrie toch geen gelijk krijgt over een mogelijke blessure, die door onderkoeling mogelijk onder de radar zou zijn gebleven.

 

https://x.com/cyclingontnt/status/2007112931780317689?s=20

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