Real Madrid player ratings vs Espanyol- Defensive mids win the game

Their victory at the Santiago Bernabeu may only give Madrid 24 hours above Barcelona, who play Girona on Sunday, with their flawless record still intact.

Real Madrid have been learning to play as an evolved cohesive unit since the summer departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, and coach Julen Lopetegui praised his side for doing exactly that during their 3-0 Champions League Group G win over Roma on Wednesday.

Espanyol coach Rubi said he was pleased with his side’s display, but was disappointed they left the Bernabeu without a point.

The Whites had a few headaches to worry about on the night, majority being from a defensive point of view.

However, Perez made sure that he got as much money as possible for Ronaldo, who won four Champions League titles while at the Bernabeu, as he said: “We got the highest value we could”.

He told Spanish broadcaster Movistar+: “We already know what Modric’s like, he’s a great player and he gives us a lot in each game”.

Reigning champions Real were 2-0 up after 58 minutes through Isco and Gareth Bale before Mariano Diaz sealed the win over last year’s semi-finalists in injury time.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has rejected La Liga’s plan to play one fixture per season in the United States.

Edin Dzeko’s header was kept out by Navas, who was preferred to summer signing Thibaut Courtois in goal for Real.

“Espanyol closed us down, but also knew how to attack”. “I think we should take advantage of it”. This led to very inconsistent performances in La Liga and even in the UCL but they were overshadowed by Ronaldo’s insane ability to score goals at will.

“Here we are going to decide the fate of the one that has to become the best stadium in the world”, Perez said.

“What we are being asked now is for more documentation and that is what I will prepare”, Tebas said. “I wouldn’t put the spotlight on one or two players. Thank you, Cristiano”, he added.

And 25-year-old striker Mariano – in his first game since returning to the club from Lyon for £29.7m – struck late on to give Real a scoreline that reflected their dominance.