In a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid triumphed 4-1 over Espanyol, overcoming an early setback.

The match saw Thibaut Courtois unfortunate to concede an own goal right after the second half started, putting the visitors ahead. However, Real Madrid quickly rebounded with goals from Dani Carvajal and Rodrygo, followed by the explosive substitute Vinícius Júnior and a penalty conversion by Kylian Mbappé, sealing a decisive victory for the reigning La Liga champions.

Three Key Insights:

1. Strategic Rotations: Who Got a Rest?

Coach Carlo Ancelotti hinted at the need for squad rotations due to a congested fixture schedule, with no week-long breaks until mid-October. Among those rested were Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, and surprisingly, Vinícius Júnior. Their absences led to a tactical shift, with Aurélien Tchouameni stepping into defense to manage Rüdiger's match load. This move proved crucial when Espanyol took an early lead, forcing Ancelotti's hand to bring Vinícius back into the game, indicating a lack of confidence in his bench options.

2. Home Defensive Streak: Can It Hold?

Before this match, Real Madrid had an impressive record at home, not conceding a goal at the Bernabéu in La Liga since April. That impressive streak included more than 300 minutes of clean sheets. Unfortunately for Courtois, Espanyol's early goal marked a blip in their home dominance, and with four other teams failing to score on their visits this season, it remains to be seen if Madrid can quickly bounce back defensively.

3. Bench Contributions: Were They Vital Again?

Ancelotti's reliance on the bench has been a significant theme this season, and it was especially true against Espanyol. The introduction of Vinícius Júnior changed the course of the match, showcasing how impactful the substitutes can be. Other late-game substitutions allowed for needed rest of key players, but Vinícius’ involvement was particularly crucial, demonstrating how his presence can elevate the team's performance.

Three Questions Addressed:

1. Did Rodrygo Shine on the Left?

Rodrygo Goes started on the left wing for the first time this season but shifted positions frequently and ended up playing primarily on the right. Although he scored a pivotal goal, Vinícius's entrance highlighted Rodrygo's limitations in that role. The Brazilian's movement and synergy with Mbappé was undeniably stronger, suggesting that Real Madrid's attacking potency may be better served with Vinícius on the left.

2. Who Will Be Rested Against Alavés?

Following the match against Espanyol, Ancelotti is expected to continue rotating his squad, especially ahead of a crucial match against rivals Atlético Madrid. Players such as Dani Carvajal and Kylian Mbappé may be in line for rests, considering their extensive playtime. Meanwhile, the fitness levels of Aurélien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham will need monitoring, as both are key players who have recently battled injuries.

3. Why Are Real Madrid Slow Starters?

This season has seen Real Madrid struggle to establish momentum early in matches, with six out of eight fixtures ending 0-0 at halftime. The team seems to wake up only when faced with adversity, as evidenced in their comeback against Espanyol. Their second-half intensity often leads to strong attacking displays, and with several high-quality chances created against Espanyol, it raises questions about how to tap into their full potential from the first whistle.

As Real Madrid moves forward in the season, these insights will be critical for the team's strategy as they aim for both domestic and European glory.

Fans will be eager to see if their beloved team can sharpen their performance against Alavés and what rotating players can bring to the pitch. Stay tuned for thrilling matches ahead!