Kylian Mbappe was on target again as Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 on Saturday to maintain their perfect start to the La Liga season and extend their lead at the top of the table.
Eder Militao put Madrid ahead after 22 minutes with a powerful long-range strike before Mbappe doubled the advantage early in the second half. The French forward, who also scored twice in Madridβs midweek Champions League win over Marseille, now has five league goals this season.
The victory keeps Xabi Alonsoβs side five points clear of champions Barcelona, who face Getafe on Sunday. Madrid have won all five of their opening league fixtures and remain unbeaten across all competitions.
Alonso recalled Vinicius Junior to the starting lineup and handed a rare start to young forward Gonzalo Garcia. Vinicius, still short of his best form, created the assist for Mbappeβs goal after a driving run before the Frenchman fired past Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic from distance.
Madrid continued to dominate as Vinicius struck the post and Dmitrovic produced a double save to deny Mbappe. England international Jude Bellingham made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute following shoulder surgery, while Eduardo Camavinga also returned from injury.
Espanyol, who arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in third place after a strong start to the season, were well beaten and have not defeated Madrid away since 1996. The result served as a setback for the Catalan side but reaffirmed Madridβs early dominance under Alonso.
Elsewhere, Levante cruised to a 4-0 win at Girona, who ended with nine men and remain bottom of the table. Girona, surprise Champions League qualifiers last season after finishing third, are winless this campaign.
βAfter five weeks we are the worst team in the league and all we can do is work hard,β said Girona coach Michel Sanchez after the defeat. βIt will be tricky to get out of this situation, but weβre not giving up.β
