Carlo Ancelotti rested first-choice players, such as Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and Vinicius Junior, and Madrid struggled for fluency. Espanyol even took the lead in the 54th minute with an own goal from Thibaut Courtois, who miscued a seemingly harmless shot into his net.

Carlo Ancelotti has denied that Jude Bellingham's ongoing shoulder problem is a concern, although he admitted the midfielder will go back to wearing protection for Real Madrid's game against Alavés.

Academy graduate Francisco Garcia started the match for Real Madrid, with Ancelotti clearly trusting the 25-year-old on the left side of the backline. With the Spaniard performing well, Mendy will know that he has ample competition for a starting spot despite signing a new three-year deal.