Ezen az estén szinte minden kipattant az Espanol kapusának híres ködmönjéről.
(2-1) Espanyol snatched Real Madrid from leadership
03/02/2002
This defeat in Barcelona has led to a shared top position for Real Madrid along with Celta Vigo. Espanyol overcame Raúl's early goal and got the triumph that took the team away from the drop zone. Vicente del Bosque did not get the chance to celebrate his 100th game coaching Real.
The new faces in this meeting were Flavio and Solari, who were replacing absent Zidande and Makelele. Montjuïc Stadium saw the attendance of the thousands of Cataluña's Real followers. They turned up to support Vicente del Bosque's side (it was his 100th Liga game coaching the Whites) in its battle for the return to an absolute leadership.
The best possible beginning
Right after kickoff Raúl put Real Madrid up. Madrid forward made the most of Flavio's centre to gain advantage for the rest of the game. All the preparation Espanyol had made during the week was ruined. Paco Flores' side moved its defensive line a bit forward as they could not afford to stay in their area in order to fight the Whites' attacks.
Real Madrid yielded the possession of the ball to the locals after the goal, but the Catalan side did not quite manage to approach Casillas' net. As minutes went by, Espanyol's pressure was increasing, but we had to wait until minute 20th to see the first local shot towards Madrid's goal.
Unexpected draw
De Lucas grabbed the equalizer (32') just when centenarian Del Bosque's side had taken control of the match. The goal was the final touch to a counterattack move carried out by Mexican Palencia. This draw did not affect the Whites, as next thing Solari's great move was close to put the game back in Madrid's feet.
The second half started off with Real Madrid's invasion of the local side of the pitch. Roberto Carlos and Raúl were close to give the lead back to their squad. Pavon was doing fantastically in his task of stopping Tamudo, the best local player. Guti came on for Morientes in an attempt to help Raúl up front on the attacking line. Then, Del Bosque removed Flavio and sent Munitis on when Espanyol was changing the direction of the match. This substitution moved Solari to midfield and the newcomer had to play on the left flank.
Struggling
Tamudo's goal with sixteen minutes left was a sign of Espanyol's push. Real Madrid did everything to equalise and, by doing so, get the leadership back. Raúl was close but Mora was there to spoil the chance.
Paco Flores' side was defending itself very well from Madrid's siege on their area. The locals used a five-player defence in their attempt to retain the win. Once again, Raúl had the draw on his feet, but he did not manage to get it, so the three points remained in Barcelona. The Whites, however, will have the chance to get back to the top of the table next Wednesday in Valladolid.
THE MATCH:
2 - ESPANYOL: Mora, Lopo, Soldevilla, Morales, De Lucas, Palencia (Rotchen 84´), Ricardo, Navas, Alex, Tamudo and Roger (Posse 68´).
1 - REAL MADRID: Casillas, Míchel Salgado, Roberto Carlos, Pavón, Karanka, Flavio (Munitis 70´), Helguera, Solari, Figo, Raúl and Morientes (Guti 56´).
GOALS:
0-1 (1’): Raúl shooting Flavio's centre.
1-1 (32’): De Lucas, hard shot from the front of the area.
2-1 (73´): Tamudo making the most of a lost ball.
REFEREE: Miguel Angel Pérez Lasa, Basque Referees Association. He cautioned De Lucas (14´), Lopo (44´), Alex (63´), Guti (72´), Ricardo (76´).
OTHER FACTS: Liga Championship matchday 23rd. 47.900 followers at Montjuic Olympic Stadium. Field of play in good conditions.
Report by José L. Sánchez
