Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol: 4 Talking Points 

3. Relegation threat looming large for Espanyol

Real Madrid CF v RCD Espanyol - La Liga

Espanyol have spent the better part of their existence in the shadows of their more illustrious neighbours, Barcelona, but they are one of the more respectable teams outside the traditional clubs in Spain and have a decent enough history to boast of.

Last season, the club impressively finished in 7th place last season to secure European participation this season.

It was expected that Espanyol would build on that this term and at least secure continental football once again but so far this season, the reverse has been the case.

The club have won just two of their opening 10 LaLiga fixtures and it was this disastrous start to the campaign that led to the termination of David Gallego's contract and his replacement with former Sevilla man Pablo Machin.

The change in the dugout has, however, not had the desired impact and Los Periquitos currently find themselves second-from-bottom and are yet to win any of their eight home games in the league this season.

This contrasts with their performance in Europe where they have secured qualification and sit top of their group but with the games coming in thick and fast, Espanyol have to start getting positive results quick if they are to preserve their top-flight status come next season.