Bale scores on Real return

The big news heading into the match was the return of Gareth Bale to the Real Madrid travelling squad after four weeks out with injury. He started on the bench, as did Marcelo, who was once again dropped in favour of youngster Sergio Reguilon. Espanyol, who lay only four points above the relegation zone at kick-off, were initially overrun by an effervescent Madrid side.

It took Los Blancos less than four minutes to make the breakthrough, thanks largely to Luka Modric. The Croatian made a surging run through the Espanyol defence, eventually firing a shot at goal with the outside of his boot. Diego Lopez, once of Madrid, managed to parry, but the ball ran straight to Benzema, who tucked away the finish.

Barely ten minutes later the visitors had another one - Ramos rose highest to head in a whipped cross, his header completely wrongfooting the stranded Lopez. Incredibly, it was the defender's 14th goal of the season, and was no less than Madrid deserved for their pulsating start to the match. 

And it was against the run of play that Espanyol pulled one back. Leo Baptistao, on a one-man mission to turn the match on its head, fired at Courtois, forcing the Belgian into a good save. From the resulting corner, Baptistao again found himself in acres of space. This time he made no mistake, blasting the ball past Courtois with admirable ferocity.

But the two-goal advantage was restored just before half-time, Karim Benzema grabbing his second of the game with a fine low finish. Madrid captain Ramos had been hobbling towards the end of the first period, having suffered a late tackle on his ankle, and he was replaced by Nacho at half-time. 

After a flurry of chances at the beginning of the second half, Gareth Bale arrived on 64 minutes, replacing Vinicius. And only two minutes later, he had scored. After some intricate footwork in the area took him away from two defenders, the Welshman turned and lashed a shot into the corner of the net. It was a goal of the highest quality, and one that will excite watching Madrid fans.

Espanyol had hope of a comeback soon after, however, as Varane was sent off for bringing down Pablo Piatti, with the French defender adjudged to be the last man. Roberto Rosales boosted that hope minutes later, latching onto a through ball and firing high past Courtois. Suspicions of offside meant that VAR was consulted, with the resulting footage showing Marcelo had played Rosales onside. It was another nasty moment in what has been a difficult season for the veteran defender.

As much as they tried to force the issue, Espanyol couldn't manage any more attempts on the Madrid goal, and the European champions held on for a crucial 4-2 win. They are currently in 3rd place in the league, ten points off leaders Barcelona and five off second-placed Atletico. Espanyol, on the other hand, will be looking nervously over their shoulders.