Real Madrid beat Espanyol to earn 16th consecutive league win

Goals from James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0, and fired them back to the top of the La Liga table.

Last season’s runners-up Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the season as they eased to victory past Catalan side Espanyol 2-0. James Rodriguez opened the scoring with a stunning solo effort in the first half injury time.

Karim Benzema secured the three points for the Los Blancos in the second half. Victory takes Real Madrid back to the top of La Liga, as they aim to wrestle the domestic crown back from Barcelona.

In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Madrid were largely uninspiring for long periods in the first half before Rodriguez’ stunning solo effort gave them the lead two minutes into injury time. His left foot strike from the edge of the area comfortably beat former Madrid keeper Diego Lopez. The goal gave Madrid the encouragement they needed going into halftime.

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And they played with great swagger in the second half. Lucas Vazquez, Marco Asensio and Toni Kroos all came close for the away side. They sealed the victory in the 71st minute when Karim Benzema got on the end of Lucas Vazquez’s low cross to double Madrid’s lead.

Zinedine Zidane’s men have now won a record-equalling 16 games on the trot, and their last 11 goals have been scored by 11 different players. They already look good value for the title this season. And they will only get stronger once Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale hit top form. They next face Villarreal at home on Wednesday, as they look to continue their perfect start to the season.

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