You would of forgiven the home supporters if they’d headed for the exits before half-time in this all spanish fixture, as Real Madrid raced into a 3-0 lead courtesy of goals from Zielinski, Messi and Correa. It was end to end but Madrid were so clinical in front of goal, that it appeared a heavy defeat was the likely outcome.

However, there is a new air of optimism around the club at Espanyol, coupled with that never say die attitude. When Morata found the clubs new hero Oyarzabal with a neat ball, the new star made no mistake as he smashed it into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of Schmeichel. This for a moment got the home crowd off their seats. However within minutes Espanyol were down to ten men as veteran Fernandinho recieved his second yellow card for a foul on Rice, which you’d of thought that was it for Espanyol.

Espanyol however continued to press, and when the impressive Oyarzabal found Martinez, he finished in some style from long range in the 53rd minute. It was end to end stuff then as Real Madrid were always going to be threat on the break as Espanyol threw caution to the wind to push for an equaliser which duly came when Oyarzabal found former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez is smashed one into the bottom corner to complete the unlikeliest comeback.

“absolutely thrilled with that comeback, and we could of nicked all three points in the end. We’ve a lot of new players, but game by game they are settling. Oyarzabal is a big player for us. We were offered a 92, and 2 x 90 players for him this week, and made it clear he is not for sale. He is only going to get better, and along with other key signings, once they all settle, we are going to be a decent side. The one negative is Fernandinho now misses three games. We dont have the most strength in depth, so that’s a massive blow. However tonights about celebrating a fantastic point, and one richly deserved”