Mbappe scores as Real Madrid beat Espanyol to extend La Liga lead

Kylian Mbappe was on target once more as Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of La Liga.

Xabi Alonso’s side have now won all five of their opening league fixtures, with Mbappe scoring five goals in the competition.

Eder Militao opened the scoring after 22 minutes with a thunderous strike from distance, before Mbappe sealed the victory early in the second half with a powerful effort from outside the box.

The result leaves Madrid five points clear of champions Barcelona, who host Getafe on Sunday.

England international Jude Bellingham made his long-awaited return from summer shoulder surgery, coming on as a late substitute.

“We can’t be doing any better,” Madrid defender Dani Carvajal told Real Madrid TV. “The good thing is we’re getting better at playing the way the coach wants, understanding the concepts, and the results are coming with that. I think the performance was complete, and we suffered very little in a defensive sense.”

Mbappe, who scored twice from the penalty spot in midweek against Marseille in the Champions League, once again proved decisive as Alonso’s men maintained their 100 per cent record across all competitions.

Vinicius Junior, recalled to the starting XI, combined with Mbappe for the second goal after a driving run before laying the ball off for the Frenchman to finish.

Espanyol, who arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in third place and unbeaten since the start of the season, were given a reality check as Madrid dominated throughout. Their last win at the Bernabeu dates back to 1996, and this visit proved no different as Los Blancos comfortably extended their perfect start.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.