La Liga’s Matchday 22 saw a major upset with Espanyol Barcelona defeating league leaders Real Madrid 1-0. Moroccan player Omar El Hilali provided the decisive assist. The Catalan side held on to their lead, handing Los Blancos their third league defeat of the season.
Despite traveling to Barcelona, Real Madrid’s supporters were confident, given Espanyol’s struggles this season. However, the match took an unexpected turn. Espanyol’s defense, led by goalkeeper Joan García, withstood Madrid’s attacks, while El Hilali stood out defensively, notably with a crucial intervention in the 59th minute to stop Kylian Mbappé after he dribbled past Romero inside the box.
In the second half, Espanyol not only defended well but also capitalized on Real Madrid’s high defensive line. In the 85th minute, Antonio Roca, Álvaro Tejero, and Omar El Hilali launched a counterattack, with the Moroccan delivering a perfect cross from the right flank to Romero, who fired an unstoppable shot past Courtois, securing Espanyol’s sixth win of the season.
This victory allowed Espanyol, with El Hilali and Walid Cheddira (who stayed on the bench), to climb out of the relegation zone into 17th place. Meanwhile, Brahim Díaz and his Madrid teammates, despite his late 87th-minute appearance, remain atop the standings, just one point ahead of Atlético Madrid, whom they will face next week in a crucial Madrid derby and another tactical showdown between Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone.
