Real Madrid travelled to Espanyol on Saturday knowing that anything less than three points would hand the league title to Barcelona.
It was the home side that took the lead after 23 minutes when Christian Stuani turned home after good work from Sergio Garcia. However, Madrid were level early in the second period when Gonzalo Higuain found the back of the net with a deft header.
It was not enough to keep their title challenge alive, however, with Espanyol repelling the danger in the latter stages to secure a share of the spoils.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Espanyol welcome Real Madrid in the final live La Liga commentary of the evening knowing that they could hand the league title to Barcelona tonight. Anything but three points for Madrid would be enough for the Catalan outfit to regain their league crown, but Madrid will attempt to delay that award with another victory.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have certainly enjoyed the best of it with four wins from the last five matches, although as mentioned, the reverse match earlier in the season ended in a 2-2 draw. Madrid will hope to replicate their performance at this stadium last season, where they were 4-0 winners.
As it stands, Espanyol currently sit 11th in the table, 11 points clear of the drop zone with four matches remaining. Madrid, meanwhile, trail leaders Barcelona by eight points having played a game more, but they will enter the match full of confidence following an impressive 6-2 win over Malaga last Wednesday.
TEAMS:
ESPANYOL: Casilla; Colotto, Moreno, Capdevila, Forlin; Verdu, Sanchez, Wakaso, Lopez; Garcia, Stuani
MADRID: Lopez; Nacho, Varane, Albiol, Coentrao; Kaka, Modric, Essien; Di Maria, Higuain, Morata
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Espanyol side this evening with Sergio Garcia once more joined by Christian Stuani in attack, while there are also places for Victor Sanchez and Javi Lopez. Much-changed Madrid side, however, with Nacho, Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata and Ricardo Carvalho all starting. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
Just a reminder that anything but three points for Madrid would hand the title to Barcelona this evening. Bright start from Espanyol as Verdu collects possession before driving a low cross into the box, but Diego Lopez is out to clear at the vital moment. I have a feeling we could be in for a real cracker at the El Prat.
No Cristiano Ronaldo in the Madrid team, meanwhile, with Jose Mourinho resting a host of first-term players ahead of the Copa del Rey final with Atletico Madrid next Friday. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes, but Madrid have started to take control of the possession. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be all-important this evening.
Half-chance for the home side as Wakaso collects possession on the right before drilling a low cross into the box, but Varane was on hand to make the clearance. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Especially as Espanyol do not have too much to play for in the remaining weeks of the season.
Plenty of possession for the away side in the opening six minutes with Kaka and Modric enjoying plenty of the possession, but they have been unable to really threaten thus far. A half-chance does arrive as Nacho delivers a deep cross into the box, but Casilla is on hand to collect under pressure from Di Maria.
Casilla is again called into action moments later as Morata drives into the box, but the Espanyol stopper is once more on hand to make the save. Madrid continue to pass and probe outside the box, but they have not threatened. Javi Lopez has possession down the other end moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Diego Lopez.
It is almost like a pre-season match at the moment with both sides exchanging spells of possession in the opposing half. There was a risk that this match could become a slight non-event. Espanyol are safe from relegation, but without a chance of Europe, while Madrid are going to finish second. Their focus is now on the Copa del Rey final next week.
Slightly sloppy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges, but the official has not been forced into his notebook thus far. Still not too much to report in terms of chances, but Madrid are certainly in control of the possession with 14 minutes on the clock.
It is the away supporters that can be heard as the first period begins to gather pace, but unfortunately the quality on the pitch has not lived up to the expected standard thus far. It has become ever so bitty with both sets of players diving into needless challenges. We are in need of some sort of inspiration at the El Prat.
Slight problem for Wakaso here as the Espanyol midfielder seems to catch his studs in the turf, but it appears that Varane has come off worse in the clash, with the Frenchman also turning awkwardly. Garcia has a long-range strike for the home side moments later, but it moves wide of the post.
Indeed it is not good news for Madrid with Varane being forced off the pitch. Replays have shown that it was a really nasty one for the defender. That could rule him out of the Copa del Rey final next weekend. Xabi Alonso is the replacement, which will mean Essien moving into a defensive role. The fact that has been the major action thus far tells you everything that you need to know.
Decent pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments, but the quality of the deliveries has left a lot to be desired. Victor Sanchez is lucky to remain on the pitch for a late challenge on the linesman! It appears that the Spanish official may be forced from the action. That has lightened the atmosphere inside the stadium. We wish him well in his recovery!
GOAL! Espanyol 1-0 Madrid (Stuani)
First blood to Espanyol! It's terrible defending from the Madrid defence as Garcia is allowed to find Stuani in the box, who simply clips his effort into the back of the net from close range. Again Madrid concede from a set piece. Mourinho looks unmoved, however.
You do have to question just how much Madrid want to win this match based on their current situation in the league and the Copa del Rey final to come next week. A deep free kick from Alonso causes Casilla some concern, but the Espanyol stopper is relieved to be awarded a free kick. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium.
Good possession for the away side in the last few moments with Modric, Kaka and Morata all enjoying plenty of the ball, but there is just no cohesion in the final third. Espanyol are comfortable as we approach the final 15 minutes of the half. However, you can never write this Madrid team off.
CHANCE! Oh he has to score. Wonderful chance for Stuani to make it 2-0 as the striker moves beyond the Madrid defence before attempting to fire past Lopez, but the Madrid stopper is out to make a fine save. It is all one-way traffic at the moment, as the home side have a goal disallowed.
Moreno thought he had scored Espanyol's second of the match, but the referee chalked it off for a foul on Xabi Alonso. It was a horror decision from the Spanish official, with Moreno making no contact with Alonso, who was simply caught under the ball. In truth, Madrid do not look too bothered about this match to put it plainly. That is the feeling based on the opening 33 minutes.
Half-chance for Morata down the other end as the Madrid striker meets a free kick from Kaka, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position. Casilla has been comfortable in the first period. Little over 10 minutes of the first half remaining.
Just a reminder that if Madrid do not win this evening, then Barcelona will be crowned champions ahead of their match with Atletico Madrid tomorrow evening. Not too much of a response from the away side since falling behind, but they certainly have the quality to edge their way back into the match.
Good possession for the away side in the last few moments with Modric seeing plenty of the ball, but the Croatian has thus far been unable to find the likes of Higuain and Morata in a decisive area. I am not suggesting that Madrid are a one-man team, far from it, but take Ronaldo out of this side and a large chunk of their threat disappears.
Half-chance for the home side as Garcia rounds Nacho before driving into the Madrid box, but the Spanish defender does manage to clear at the second time of asking. We have just seen pictures of Ronaldo and Iker Casillas on the Madrid bench, it looks as if they would rather be anywhere else but here. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.
Espanyol have been first to every ball in this first period. There is no question that they are the side that wants this more. It goes from bad to worse for Madrid as Essien is booked for a poor challenge on Garcia. I wonder whether we could see a certain Portuguese striker for Madrid in the second period.
Half-chance for Colotto as the Espanyol defenders meets a free kick from Verdu, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the first period. We are indeed into the first of those.
HALF-TIME: Espanyol 1-0 Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Espanyol leading courtesy of a strike from Stuani after 23 minutes. Espanyol have lost their last eight games against Madrid, but they are on course for three points against the current Spanish champions - but that could be ended this evening.
STATISTICS: Madrid have dominated the possession with 66%, but they have managed just one attempt off target, while Espanyol have had three attempts. In truth, Espanyol should be 2-0 ahead with Moreno scoring a perfectly good goal after 27 minutes, only to see the referee chalk it off for a foul on Alonso.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Simao, Baena and Martin Petrov. Meanwhile, Madrid have an embarrassment of riches in reserve with the likes of Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Jose Callejon. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. One change for Madrid at the interval with Benzema replacing Morata. As it stands, Barcelona will be league champions by the end of the evening. Meanwhile, three points would move Espanyol into 10th position. Madrid get the half underway.
No team has taken more points from losing positions (24) than Madrid this season, which will certainly ring alarm bells for the home side. Rare sight on the pitch this evening with Benzema and Higuain both on at the same time. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the final result.
It does appear that we now have a match on our hands with Madrid moving the ball much quicker outside the Espanyol box. I wonder whether we will see Ronaldo before the night is over? Slight problem for Modric as the Croatian is caught with an elbow from Moreno, but he does return following a brief period of treatment.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score their second as Wakaso finds Garcia in the box, but somehow Nacho is across to make a flying challenge. That is a wonderful tackle from the Spaniard. The resulting corner presents a chance to Capdevila, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper.
Verdu becomes the latest to enter the referee's book for a late challenge on Alonso. Madrid have certainly come out a different team in the second period, they now look a threat each time they attack. Just a reminder that as it stands, Barcelona will be crowned champions by the end of the evening.
Stop-start period of the match in the last few moments with Garcia hitting the deck twice in quick succession. You just get the feeling that the home side are attempting to slow the tempo, which is clever with the way Madrid have entered the second half. The home side continue to lead with little under 35 minutes of football to play.
Alonso attempts to force the issue for the away side as he drives towards the penalty area before finding Di Maria, but Moreno is across to make a fine challenge. Guess who? Ronaldo emerges from the bench, with the Portuguese replacing Kaka, who has had a quiet night this evening. Little over 30 minutes for Ronaldo to continue his fine scoring run.
GOAL! Espanyol 1-1 Madrid (Higuain)
Madrid level! It's a wonderful delivery from Modric, with Higuain on hand to flick his header into the back of the net. Well, Ronaldo did not play a part in the goal, but he has worried Espanyol. Suddenly we have a real match on our hands.
Just a reminder that Barcelona will win the league title this evening if Madrid do not pick up all three points. There is no question that the current Spanish champions have been the better side in the second period, in truth, it was not hard to improve on their performance in the first.
No changes for Aguirre thus far, but I suspect he will look to his bench in the next five minutes or so. Madrid have already made all three changes, however, with little over 25 minutes remaining. Wakaso becomes the latest to enter the book, meanwhile, for a high challenge on Alonso. It was slightly harsh.
It must be said that the crowd has significantly quietened in the second period with the home side struggling to create any sort of opportunities. Suddenly Madrid look like a team that is fighting for the title, rather than one looking ahead to the Copa del Rey final next Friday. They need another goal to stop Barcelona claiming the title this evening.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments with Wakaso having more of an influence in the final third, but the quality of his final pass has been poor in the second period. The match has just become slightly scrappy, meanwhile, with the referee forced to address a number of late challenges. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Garcia tries his luck from outside the box following a loose pass from Albiol, but Lopez is comfortable in claiming. A corner follows moments later, but again it comes to nothing.
Half-chance for Ronaldo this time as the Madrid forward collects a pass from Di Maria before striking an effort from a wide angle, but Casilla is across to make the save. Wakaso attempts to break down the other end moments later, but Modric fells the winger, picking up a yellow for his troubles. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Barcelona are just about 15 minutes from being crowned league champions, but you just get the feeling that we still have some late drama to come this evening. Madrid continue to enjoy possession outside the Espanyol box, but they have been unable to really test Casilla aside from a few long-range attempts.
Benzema attempts to force the issue with a deep cross into the box, but it was always too powerful for Ronaldo, who had made a late run into the box. Ronaldo continues to cause problems to the Espanyol back four, but Moreno is able to repel the danger once more. Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Essien finds the head of Benzema in the box, but Casilla is across to make a fine save. What a terrific piece of goalkeeping from the Espanyol stopper. Moments later Albiol is booked for a late challenge on Verdu.
CHANCE! Mad moment in the Madrid box as Garcia and Stuani both fall over in quick succession, with the home side screaming for a penalty. That said, the ball does fall for Verdu, who attempts to finish from close range, but Lopez is able to make the save. You just get the feeling that we will have some late drama here.
Handbags between the two sets of players as Ronaldo clashes with Forlin, but the referee books both for their involvement. It was a bit of a nonsense. Those two bookings make it nine cards for the evening. In fairness, it has not been that type of match. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Espanyol make their first change of the match as Simao enters the field in place of Verdu, who has just tired in the past few minutes. He goes off to a wonderful reception from the home supporters. He is a real favourite here. He will also be a real favourite for Barcelona if his side can hold Madrid to a draw this evening.
Half-chance for Wakaso as the Espanyol midfielder strikes an effort from outside the box, but Lopez gets down to make the save. Ronaldo is down the other end moments later, the Portuguese finds Di Maria, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper.
Madrid have a free kick outside the box, but Ronaldo's effort is straight into the wall. It did seem to favour the left foot of Di Maria, but Ronaldo pulled rank. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes. Madrid simply have to score to keep their title hopes alive.
RED CARD! Espanyol are reduced to 10 men as Victor Sanchez is booked for the second time for a foul on Ronaldo. It was a really poor challenge from the midfielder. Could that cost his side in the final couple of moments?
The resulting free kick is finally taken by Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide of the target. That is really poor from the former Manchester United forward. Little under one minute of stoppage time remaining as Wakaso is withdrawn in place of Baena.
FULL-TIME: Espanyol 1-1 Real Madrid
BARCELONA ARE CROWNED LA LIGA CHAMPIONS
So there we have it. Madrid hand the league title back to Barcelona following a 1-1 draw with Espanyol. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
