Real Madrid stumble and fall against Espanyol

Losing two consecutive games is not common for Real Madrid. But that is where they find themselves as they followed up the loss to Sheriff in the Champions League with a loss to Espanyol in La Liga.

The side managed by Carlo Ancelotti were second best throughout the affair as former striker Raul de Tomas opened the score for the home side. Former Barcelona player Aleix Vidal doubled their lead.

The Real Madrid boss was critical of his team’s performance after the match

Once again, Karim Benzema looked like the only Real Madrid player able to make a difference. He was the one who pulled a goal back although it proved to not be enough. With no one else around him, the Frenchman has seemingly had to do everything in attack.

While Madrid were missing a couple of players, their liability all season has been in defense, even when everyone was healthy. Had it not been for some poor finishing, Espanyol could have won the game by more.

Ancelotti was disappointed with his team’s performance and, in his own way, criticized the players for the display.

"“We played badly. There isn’t much else to say,” Ancelotti said. “We started the game with an idea, and then with the goal we conceded we weren’t able to stay calm. There was confusion out on the pitch. The team wasn’t well positioned with or without the ball. I have to be honest, it’s our worst game.”Souce: ESPN"

He said the game plan heading into match was quite clear but they simply couldn’t execute it on the pitch. He also said he spoke to the players about it and they agreed.

It’s as close as Ancelotti is going to get to calling out his players without doing so directly.

As for Espanyol. long been seen as an easy opponent for the Spanish giants, it was only their second win against Los Blancos in 25 years.

Real Madrid were fortunate Real Sociedad dropped points at Getafe or else the Basque side would be sitting at the top of the table. As it stands, there is a three-way tie with Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Sociedad on 17 points.

The international break could not have come at a more perfect moment for Ancelotti. It gives him time to correct things because coming out of the break, Madrid host Athletic Bilbao, travel to take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League before facing Barcelona at the Camp Nou.