Real Madrid begins their La Liga campaign with a victory over Espanyol

Madrid, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- Real Madrid began their campaign in the new season of the Spanish football league with a 2-1 victory over rivals Espanyol on Saturday, in the second round of the competition. At the RCD stadium, British midfielder Jude Bellingham opened the scoring for Real in the ninth minute, but Espanyol’s midfielder Alex Collado equalized in the 30th minute. In the 90th minute, striker Carlos Vicente secured the win for Real, who collected their first three points of the competition. Sevilla tops the league table with six points, followed by Alaves in second place with four points, while Espanyol sit third with three points. Real Madrid are fifth, on goal difference. In the same round, Barcelona begin their title defense against Elche at home, hours after the match between Atletico Madrid and Villaraya, scheduled for Sunday. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other teams will play their postponed first-round fixtures on Wednesday and Thursday next week, after the Spanish League decided to grant additional rest to players from clubs whose players participated in the 2026 World Cup before the start of the domestic season. (End) H.N.D./T.M.A.