In Spain, Real Madrid made a mistake in the long-distance duel with FC Barcelona at their local rivals Espanyol - but only almost. Benzema redeems Los Blancos with two goals just before the end. What Lewandowski also achieves at his new club.
Karim Benzema has saved Real Madrid from an unexpected setback in La Liga. The French international and Europe's Footballer of the Year scored the decisive goal on Sunday evening in the 3-1 (1-1) win at Espanyol Barcelona in the 88th and in added time (90th 10). This leaves Real Madrid top of the table after three wins in three games.
Vinicius Junior (12th) gave the guests the lead, former Bundesliga professional Joselu (43rd) scored the equalizer for Espanyol just before the break. In stoppage time, Barcelona goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte saw the red card for an emergency brake. Defender Fernando Carbrera had to go in goal because the exchange quota was exhausted. He conceded Benzema's second goal.
World footballer Robert Lewandowski had previously shown himself to be in a goal mood. The ex-Bayern striker scored twice for his new club in FC Barcelona's 4-0 (2-0) win over Real Valladolid on Sunday. The 34-year-old first put the Catalans ahead at the Camp Nou in the 24th minute before making it 3-0 in the 64th minute.
Shortly before the break, Pedri (43') made it 2-0, and Sergi Roberto (90') made it perfect. With their second win of the season, Barça remain unbeaten and are third with seven points behind Real and Betis Sevilla (9 points).
Most recently, Lewandowski had already scored twice in the 4-1 win over San Sebastian. Only in his league debut, the 0-0 draw against Vallecano, did the Polish international remain goalless.
