Mbappé and Militão strike from distance as Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0, delaying Barcelona's title party

Key facts

• Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
• Éder Militão opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a right-foot shot from outside the area.
• Kylian Mbappé doubled the lead in the 47th minute with a strike from distance.
• Mbappé has scored seven goals in six La Liga matches this season.
• Espanyol suffered its first loss of the season after starting with four wins.
• Jude Bellingham made his first appearance since shoulder surgery on July 16.
• Eduardo Camavinga also returned from an ankle injury as a late substitute.
• Real Madrid moved five points clear of Barcelona and Espanyol at the top of the table.

Real Madrid delay the inevitable with a commanding win

Real Madrid kept Barcelona waiting for the La Liga title with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday. The win, secured by long-range strikes from Éder Militão and Kylian Mbappé, ensured that Barcelona cannot clinch the championship this weekend. Instead, the title could be decided in next Sunday's El Clásico at the Camp Nou, where Barcelona would seal the crown with a win or draw.

Militão and Mbappé break the deadlock from distance

Espanyol, which arrived undefeated after its best start in 30 years, gave Militão too much space in the 22nd minute. The Brazil defender unleashed a right-foot screamer into the top corner, with goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic only able to get fingertips on the ball. Mbappé struck in the 47th minute, picking his spot in the bottom corner and smashing a shot that Dmitrovic could only watch nestle into the net. Mbappé now has seven goals in six league games this season, including a double in Madrid's 2-1 Champions League win over Marseille on Tuesday.

Alonso praises long-range approach as key to breaking down defense

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso credited the team's willingness to shoot from distance for the breakthrough. 'When you are facing a defense set well inside its area, you have to try from long range,' Alonso said. 'Militão's goal was very good, and Kylian scored in transition. We are taking steps forward and continue to grow.' The victory was Madrid's fifth in as many rounds, moving them five points clear of both Espanyol and Barcelona.

Bellingham and Camavinga return from injury as substitutes

England midfielder Jude Bellingham made his first appearance since undergoing surgery on his left shoulder on July 16, coming on as a late substitute. Eduardo Camavinga also returned after several weeks out with an ankle injury, entering the match alongside Bellingham. Their returns provide a boost for Madrid as the season enters its decisive phase.

Espanyol's unbeaten run ends after historic start

Espanyol arrived at the Bernabéu just two points behind Madrid in third place, having won its first four matches — the club's best start in 30 years. The loss was Espanyol's first of the season, dropping them to third, five points behind Madrid. Barcelona, which hosts Getafe on Sunday at its 6,000-seat Estadi Johan Cruyff, could move level on points with Madrid if it wins.

Title race now hinges on El Clásico next Sunday

Barcelona can seal the La Liga title with a win or draw against Real Madrid in next Sunday's El Clásico at the Camp Nou. If Madrid had failed to beat Espanyol, Barcelona would have been crowned champions immediately. Instead, Madrid kept the title race alive, but Barcelona remains in control of its own destiny. The historic rivalry will now decide the championship.

The bottom line

• Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Espanyol delays Barcelona's title celebration, keeping the race alive until next Sunday's El Clásico.
• Éder Militão and Kylian Mbappé scored from outside the area, with Mbappé notching his seventh league goal of the season.
• Espanyol suffered its first loss of the season after its best start in 30 years, dropping to third place.
• Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga returned from injury as substitutes, adding depth to Madrid's squad.
• Barcelona can clinch the La Liga title with a win or draw against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou next Sunday.