Extraordinary opening to the match as Real Madrid find themselves reduced to ten men in only the third minute. Callejon, setting off from what seemed an offside position, raced onto a long ball and was brought down by Casillas as he nicked the ball away from the keeper. Was there contact? Yes. Was there enough contact to warrant Callejons subsequent tumble? Debatable. Either way, Casillas was playing a dangerous game racing out like that and he’s paid the ultimate punishment.
Espanyol Vs Real Madrid - Iker Casillas Sent Off In Third Minute
Xabi Alonso immediately raced over to Jose Mourinho to receive tactical instructions, while the unfortunate Angel Di Maria has had to make way for young keeper Adán. In the minutes after the sending off, Real Madrid have reacted well, Khedira was two chances to open the scoring, one a header from a corner and the other a long-range strike that deceived Carlos Kameni, although the Cameroon international managed to make the save low down to his left.
An already tough proposition for Real Madrid has just got tougher. Mourinhos men will need all their battling qualities tonight if they’re to take advantage of Barcas ‘slip-up’ yesterday in Gijon.
TEAMS:
Espanyol: Kameni; Galán, Javi López, Amat, Chica; J.Márquez, Raúl Baena; Luis García, Verdú, Callejón and S.García
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo; Xabi, Khedira; Di María, Özil, Cristiano; and Adebayor.
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