Two stunning long-range goals decided the match at the Bernabeu on 19/9. In the 47th minute, Vinicius cut in from the right wing and passed the ball back to Mbappe. After taking two touches to set himself up, the French forward unleashed a shot from over 20 meters that flew into the near corner, leaving goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic rooted to the spot.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates his goal during Real Madrid's 2-0 win against Espanyol in the fifth round of La Liga at the Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain on 20/9/2025. _Photo: Reuters_

In 2025, Mbappe has scored 37 goals, with six from outside the box – both the highest among players in Europe's top five leagues. The 2018 World Cup winner has now scored six goals in six games across all competitions this season, including four in La Liga and two in the Champions League.

Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with another moment of individual brilliance. Eder Militao advanced past the center circle, took two touches, and then unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from 30 meters that flew into the top corner. Dmitrovic, despite his best efforts, couldn't reach the ball.

Militao's goal came after a sequence of 26 passes – a record for a goal scored by a defender in La Liga since the 2005-2006 season. This moment showcased the Brazilian center-back's return to form and fitness after two ACL injuries in 2023 and 2024.

Eder Militao (white shirt) scores from 31 meters. _Photo: AP_

Real could have won by a larger margin had they been more clinical. In the 66th minute, Mbappe had two close-range efforts saved by the Espanyol goalkeeper. Vinicius also hit the woodwork and narrowly missed the target with a curling effort in the second half.

In addition to the three points, Real Madrid also welcomed back Jude Bellingham, who replaced Mbappe in the 89th minute. The English midfielder underwent shoulder surgery after the FIFA World Cup in July and was expected to be sidelined until October. However, he made a rapid recovery and returned several weeks ahead of schedule.

Jude Bellingham replaces Kylian Mbappe in the 89th minute. _Photo: AP_

Xabi Alonso became the 11th manager to win their first five La Liga games and the third Real Madrid manager to achieve this feat, after Jose Quirante in the 1928-1929 season and Vanderlei Luxemburgo in the 2004-2005 season.

Real Madrid remain at the top of the La Liga table with 15 points, five more than Barca, who face Getafe at the Johan Cruyff stadium today, 21/9. Real Madrid will visit Levante in the sixth round on 23/9.

Hong Duy