On January 31, 2016, Real Madrid faced Espanyol in a La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real Madrid delivered a dominant performance, securing a 6-0 victory in front of their home fans.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Real Madrid: 6 (Karim Benzema 7′, Cristiano Ronaldo 12′, 45′, 82′; James Rodríguez 16′, Oscar Duarte 86′ (own goal))
- Espanyol: 0
- Possession:
- Real Madrid controlled the game with 61% possession, while Espanyol had 39%. Madrid’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the tempo and create numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match.
- Shots:
- Real Madrid registered 21 shots, with 12 on target, showcasing their relentless attacking approach. Espanyol managed only 3 shots, with 1 on target, indicating their struggle to break down Madrid’s defense and threaten the goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Real Madrid displayed a high passing accuracy of 90%, completing 640 passes out of 710 attempts. Espanyol had a passing accuracy of 79%, completing 337 passes out of 428 attempts. Madrid’s superior passing and ball retention were key to their dominant performance.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Real Madrid made 15 tackles compared to Espanyol’s 21, reflecting Espanyol’s attempts to regain possession and disrupt Madrid’s play. However, Madrid’s defense was rarely troubled, as they effectively contained Espanyol’s limited attacking threats.
- Set Pieces:
- Real Madrid’s goals came from a mix of open play and set pieces. Karim Benzema opened the scoring early, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodríguez, who added to the tally with goals from both open play and a free-kick. An own goal by Espanyol’s Oscar Duarte added to their misery. Madrid’s ability to capitalize on set pieces and open play situations showcased their versatility in attack.
- Individual Performances:
- Cristiano Ronaldo was the standout player for Real Madrid, scoring a hat-trick and playing a crucial role in their attacking dominance. Karim Benzema and James Rodríguez also contributed significantly with goals, while Luka Modric and Toni Kroos controlled the midfield. Espanyol struggled to cope with Madrid’s attacking firepower, with few players making a notable impact.
- Tactical Overview:
- Real Madrid employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on high pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting the width provided by their wingers. Espanyol used a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to stay compact defensively and counter-attack when possible, but they were overwhelmed by Madrid’s relentless pressure and superior quality.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team: Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid (65′) and Víctor Sánchez for Espanyol (73′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at disrupting play and preventing quick transitions.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Real Madrid won 9 corners compared to Espanyol’s 1, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Madrid were caught offside 3 times, while Espanyol had 2 offside calls, indicating Madrid’s aggressive forward play and Espanyol’s attempts to push the defensive line.
Summary
Real Madrid’s 6-0 victory over Espanyol was a dominant and comprehensive performance that highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides. From the early stages of the match, Madrid asserted their dominance, with Karim Benzema opening the scoring in the 7th minute, followed by a quick succession of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodríguez. Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the second half, while an own goal by Oscar Duarte added to Espanyol’s woes. Madrid’s control of possession, high passing accuracy, and relentless attacking pressure overwhelmed Espanyol, who struggled to create any significant chances. The win was a strong statement of intent from Real Madrid, as they continued their pursuit of the La Liga title, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
