The Whites hold on to the top spot despite losing in Montjuïc
Espanyol 2-1 Real Madrid
October 20, 2007 - The cold and the wind helped put bring an end to Real Madrid's unbeaten streak. Thanks to two goals by Spanish internationals Riera and Tamudo, Espanyol were able to win in front of their home crowd in Montjuïc. The Whites still sit atop the League table despite the loss.
The mountain of Montjuïc joined forces with Espanyol in Matchday 8 of the Primera Liga, as the wind swept off its side and wreaked havoc for the Whites. The Periquitos took the lead in the opening minute of the match when Riera found the back of the net off a corner, thus ending Casillas' streak of three matches without conceding a goal. With the wind blowing against them, Madrid were forced to put Plan B into action. The first step was to keep the ball rolling on the turf and not in the air. The second, to start anew, with the equaliser being the only thing in mind.
Real Madrid began their hunt for Espanyol's box with Raúl and Van Nistelrooy leading the charge in attack. Sneijder and Higuaín took their positions along the wings, and the Whites began creating football. But the hosts were in great form and impregnable in defence. Madrid's captain had the first chance on goal and almost managed to slip the ball by Kameni. The Whites settled into the match as the minutes ticked off the clock, but no one could find the spark on such a frigid night in Olympic Stadium.
The teams went into the half with the score unchanged since minute one, but loyal to their style and by sticking to their gameplan, Espanyol took the pitch for the second period determined to put the nail in the coffin. Raúl Tamudo scored the goal of the night with a beautiful lob that Casillas could do nothing to save, earning a standing ovation for the Periquito faithful.
Although down two goals, Real Madrid never threw in the towel. Drenthe was subbed in for Sneijder and Soldado replaced Higuaín minutes later. Espanyol, however, played better football throughout the entire second half and came a Casillas save away from striking gold for the third time.
Once in injury time, Sergio Ramos was able to bring the Whites within one by hitting home in what was his 100th match with Real Madrid. The Seville-native's aerobatic strike provided one last gasp of air for the visitors, who had two more chances to pull even before the final whistle.
Espanyol showed why they are in the hunt for a spot in European competition next season. Two sensational goals brought down League leaders Real Madrid who, despite losing, remain the top team in the First Division.
MATCH REPORT:
R.C.D. ESPANYOL: Kameni, Clemente, Valdo, Zabaleta, Luis García (Jonatas, 87’), Riera (Lacruz, 92’), Torrejón, Jarque, Moisés, Tamudo (Jonathan, 83’), and Lola.
REAL MADRID: Casillas, Ramos, Cannavaro, Metzelder, Marcelo, Diarra (Gago, 84’), Guti, Higuaín (Soldado, 72’), Sneijder (Drenthe, 61’), Van Nistelrooy, and Raúl.
GOALS:
1-0, min 2 Riera header.
2-0, min 52 Tamudo lob over Casillas.
2-1, min 90 Ramos inside the small box.
Referee: Fernando Teixeira Vitienes. Booked Zabaleta, Kameni, Jonatan Soriano, Van Nistelrooy, Guti, and Ramos.
NOTES: Matchday 8 of the Spanish League. Attendance: 40,000.
Match report by Arancha Díaz
Photos by Alejandro González
Special correspondents to Barcelona
Translation by Matthew Goltz
Flash Content
