Mbappé and Militão long-range strikes give Real Madrid 2-0 win over Espanyol

Key facts

• Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 on Matchday 5 of La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu.
• Éder Militão opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a right-footed shot from outside the area.
• Kylian Mbappé doubled the lead in the 47th minute with a long-range strike into the bottom corner.
• Mbappé has scored seven goals in six games for Real Madrid this season.
• Real Madrid have won all five league matches, moving five points clear of Espanyol and Barcelona.
• Espanyol suffered their first loss of the season after three wins and one draw in their opening four games.
• Jude Bellingham made his first appearance since shoulder surgery on July 16, coming on as a late substitute.

Lethal long-range shooting breaks Espanyol resistance

Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, courtesy of two stunning strikes from outside the penalty area. The win moves Carlo Ancelotti's side five points clear at the top of the table, while inflicting Espanyol's first defeat of the campaign. Espanyol arrived in Madrid unbeaten after four rounds, sitting third and just two points behind the leaders. But their disciplined defensive setup was undone by moments of individual brilliance from Éder Militão and Kylian Mbappé, who both found the net from distance.

Militão's screamer opens the scoring

The deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute when Brazil defender Éder Militão was given space 25 yards from goal and unleashed a right-footed drive that flew into the top corner. Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic got fingertips to the ball but could not keep it out. Real Madrid had struggled to create clear chances in the opening phase, with Espanyol defending deep and in numbers. The goal changed the complexion of the match, forcing the visitors to take more risks.

Mbappé doubles the lead after the restart

Just two minutes into the second half, Kylian Mbappé made it 2-0 with another long-range effort. The French forward had time to pick his spot and smashed a strike into the bottom corner that Dmitrovic could only watch nestle into the net. Mbappé has now scored seven goals in six games for Real Madrid this season, including a brace in the 2-1 Champions League win over Marseille on Tuesday. His form has been a key factor in the team's flying start.

Espanyol's best start in 30 years comes to an end

Espanyol had enjoyed their best start to a league season in three decades, with three wins and a draw from their opening four matches. The Catalan side had not lost a league game since May and arrived at the Bernabéu full of confidence. However, they rarely troubled Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who kept his first clean sheet of the season with only three saves. Espanyol's best chance came just before half-time when Edu Expósito's swerving free-kick delivery was missed by Fernando Calero by inches.

Bellingham and Camavinga return from injury

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. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso praised his team's growing cohesion: "When you are facing a defense set well inside its area, you have to try from long range. Militão's goal was very good, and Kylian scored in transition. We are taking steps forward and continue to grow."

Real Madrid's perfect start and the title race

The victory means Real Madrid have won all five of their La Liga matches this season, a perfect start that puts them five points clear of Espanyol and Barcelona. Barcelona host Getafe on Sunday at their temporary 6,000-seat Estadi Johan Cruyff. Real Madrid have now won 10 of their last 11 games at the Bernabéu in all competitions. Their next challenge comes in the Champions League, where they will look to build on their opening win against Marseille.

The bottom line

• Real Madrid are the only team with a perfect record in La Liga after five matchdays, sitting five points clear.
• Éder Militão and Kylian Mbappé scored from outside the box, highlighting Real Madrid's ability to break down deep defenses.
• Espanyol suffered their first loss of the season, ending their best league start in 30 years.
• Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga returned from injury, boosting Real Madrid's squad depth.
• Mbappé has scored seven goals in six games for Real Madrid, underlining his immediate impact.