Real Madrid hit with injury blow as key defender limp's off in Espanyol defeat

Real Madrid has been hit with a major blow 48 hours before the transfer window closes as their star defender picked up an injury against their 1-0 defeat to Espanyol in the Spanish La Liga. The former Chelsea man had to limp off during the game and had to watch his team drop points from the sideline.

Real Madrid have been unlucky with injuries this season

Carlo Ancelotti's team have been very unlucky this season due to injury issues to several players particularly at the back as Antonio Rudiger is the latest player to have sustained an injury during their clash against Espanyol. 

The Germany International started the game and was paired alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, but had to be taken off after just 15 minutes on the clock. 

Rudiger was seen holding his left thigh as he left the pitch and a strapping to his right thigh indicates he had existing problems. He was then replaced by Raul Asencio, whose absence from the team has raised questions. 

Both Madrid and Ancelotti will think that the injury Rudiger is minor and doesn't keep him out of the game for an extended period. The team is already missing the likes of Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal and cannot afford to lose Rudiger as well. 

Antonio Rudiger has featured in all 22 games for Real Madrid this season and played an important role as they sit at the top of the standings in La Liga. The 31-year-old defender will undergo scans in the coming days to get to know about his muscular injury and how long will he be out of the side. 

The Los Blancos will hope that the defender makes a comeback before their UEFA Champions League clashes against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City. 

Espanyol defeats Real Madrid 1-0

It was a miracle for the Espanyol side as they defeated the reigning La Liga champions on Saturday, February 1 and with this win, they have moved out of the relegation zone. The 1-0 defeat for Madrid has the title race wide open in the second half of the 2024-25 season. 

Real Madrid thought they took the lead in the first half only for VAR to rule it out as Kylian Mbappe had a foul in the build-up. Espanyol's goalie, Joan Garcia had a night to remember as he kept seven saves and held the strikers at bay. 

After escaping a near red card in the 61st minute, Carlos Romero stepped up to score the only goal of the match in the 85th minute. Real Madrid is currently first in the table with 49 points and one point behind them is Atletico Madrid with 48. Barcelona are placed third in the table with 42 points to their name.