1. 01Kylian Mbappé opens the scoring with a clinical finish, taking his league tally to 38 goals and maintaining his grip on the Pichichi Trophy race
2. 02Real Madrid's defensive solidity anchored by Dean Huijsen frustrates Espanyol's limited attacking threats throughout the 90 minutes
3. 03A second goal seals the result, preserving Real Madrid's pressure on league leaders and keeping their championship hopes intact with four matches remaining

Real Madrid's tactical approach emphasized controlling midfield tempo through Carlos Soler's creative influence while allowing Mbappé the freedom to exploit spaces behind Espanyol's backline. The visitors' 4-3-3 formation stretched Espanyol's defensive block, with Franco Mastantuono's width on the right flank creating overloads. Espanyol's 4-4-2 struggled to generate counter-attacking momentum, leaving Kike García isolated and unable to add to his seven-goal season tally. The gulf in quality between the title contenders and mid-table safety was evident in Madrid's ruthless efficiency.