The first half was all Real Madrid which dominated all their lines & areas of the field creating numerous opportunities of goal. They were rewarded when Arbeloa crossed a ball into the goal square in the 25th min that Bale flicked & Karim Benzema headed in for the goal. Gareth Bale had a free-kick moment that looked like a goal but the Espanyol keeper Casillas stopped it majestically. Cristiano Ronaldo also missed a few chances & luckily for Espanyol the match & the tie was not all over for them by half time.
The second half was another story altogether as Espanyol lifted notably in their play & intensity & put Real Madrid on the back foot. They dominated the first 15 min of the second half & created goal opportunities - especially Sergio Garcia - but failed to convert or Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas solved the "problems". In fact Casillas made a "miracle save" in a one-on-one situation with Espanyol forward Cordoba that will be talked, remembered & ignite again the Lopez-Casillas debate. Match saver!
Real Madrid recovered mid-way & the game became a "tennis type" affair with attacking from one side to the other & chances of goal going to both teams. But Espanyol made a last effort towards the end of the game that had Real Madrid calling the whistle & they were unlucky to not have scored & draw the result.
Great match, full of action & entertaining with both sides deserving merit. The 2º leg game in Madrid will be intense & Real Madrid will have to be cautious.
Tomorrow more Kings Cup - Copa de Rey 1º leg Quarter-final games.
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