Match Analysis: Real Madrid 2-2 Espanyol

Real Madrid's already slim title hopes have taken a hit after they dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Espanyol on Sunday.

Madrid started the match the better, but it was Espanyol that took a surprise lead when Sergio Garcia converted just past the 30-minute mark.

The home side were level moments before the interval, however, when Cristiano Ronaldo tapped home from close range.

Madrid moved into the lead after 48 minutes, meanwhile, with Fabio Coentrao converting from close range.

There was to be late drama, however, with Juan Albin scoring in the final moments to secure a dramatic point.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.

Match statistics:

Real Madrid: Shots 18 On target 10 Possession 71% Corners 11 Fouls 10

Espanyol Shots 9 On target 3 Possession 29% Corners 7 Fouls 14

Was the result fair?

On the balance of play you would have to say no. Aside from a period of around five minutes in the opening half, Madrid were the better side all evening. They might have been three ahead inside the opening 15 minutes, but eventually it was a lot tighter than they would have expected.

Real Madrid's performance

In truth, Madrid were poor for large sections of the opening period. Granted they had plenty of the possession, but were really lacking that cutting edge. The Ronaldo strike moments before the interval changed the entire course of the match and they dominated from then on. But there was always a danger that they would concede late on.

Espanyol's performance

Espanyol will take plenty of positives from this match aside from the point. They were impressive in defence all evening and their counter-attack style did cause the Spanish champions problems. They could yet secure safety in the second part of the season.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Cristiano Ronaldo: Just when his side needed him most Ronaldo popped up with the leveller before laying on the next goal for Coentrao early in the second period. However, his defence let him down in the latter stages.

Biggest gaffe of the match

Madrid's finishing in the opening half of football left a lot to be desired. They peppered the Espanyol goal for the first 15 minutes of the match, but failed to open the scoring. Ultimately, it cost them the three points.

Referee performance

Antonio Mateu had a fairly productive 90 minutes of action this evening. He went unnoticed for large periods of the match, but was prepared to stop the play when necessary. Neither team would have had too many complaints with his performance.

What next?

Real Madrid: Madrid face a trip to fellow Champions League participants Malaga in their final league match before the winter break next weekend.

Espanyol: Espanyol will attempt to return to winning ways when they host Deportivo La Coruna in the league on Thursday. That is a real six-pointer at this stage of the season.