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2022/23 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 3
Espanyol v Real Madrid
RCDE Stadium
Barcelona, Spain
Sunday, 28 August 2022
Kick-off is at 22h00
La Liga champions Real Madrid will be looking to make it three wins from three at the start of the new season when they travel to Espanyol on Sunday, August 28.
Los Blancos are in a four-way tie at the top of the table after claiming back-to-back wins against Almeria and Celta Vigo on the road.
However, they are kept off top spot by Villarreal, who have yet to ship any goals, while Carlo Ancelotti's side have conceded two in as many games.
First-half goals from Karim Benzema (14' PEN) and Luka Modric (42') had given the European champions a 2-1 lead in Vigo at the break, with Vinicius Junior (56') and Federico Valverde (66') wrapping up the win in the second half.
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Ancelotti singled out Modric for praise, admitting the Croatian's goal shifted the momentum in their favour after Celta had made life difficult for Real in the first half.
"Modric is immortal. He's clever, well prepared and is playing really well. His goal changed the game, because until the goal it was an even match and it was really competitive," the Italian said.
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"Celta pressed in the first half. They pressured us well and we had difficulty in possession. In the second half they lowered the intensity and we worked the ball well out from the back and the transitions were spectacular."
The Periquitos are still seeking their first win of the new campaign, having picked up just one point from their opening two matches.
Diego Martinez's troops battled back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Los Celestes first up before they slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano.
Martinez felt many aspects were lacking in the loss to Rayo, but the most crucial one was the failure to convert the chances that came their way.
"We lacked clarity. We lacked quality in the middle and in breaking the lines. Above all, we were lacking precision," he stated.
"In these games, a goal gives you a lot of morale and it didn't come. As well as this, their goals came at a very difficult time on a psychological level."
Head-to-Head (Last Five La Liga Meetings)
Matches - 5
Espanyol - 1
Real Madrid - 4
Draws - 0
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