Watch: Real Madrid defender’s reaction after being left out vs Espanyol

Watch: Real Madrid defender’s reaction after being left out vs Espanyol

Real Madrid may have secured a 2-0 win over Espanyol, but the result barely hides the growing tension inside the squad.

On paper, it was a routine victory. In reality, it avoided what could have been a humiliating scenario.

Had Madrid dropped points, Barcelona would have been crowned La Liga champions immediately.

That would have forced Los Blancos into the uncomfortable position of giving their biggest rivals a guard of honour in the upcoming El Clasico.

The win delayed that possibility, but it did little to calm the storm building behind the scenes.

What’s the story?

One of the biggest talking points from the game was Alvaro Arbeloa’s decision to start Ferland Mendy.

It was a strong call given the defender’s fitness record, and it backfired almost immediately. Mendy was forced off early in the first half, continuing his frustrating run with injuries this season.

What followed raised even more questions. The expected replacement seemed obvious to many, with Alvaro Carreras widely seen as the natural option.

Instead, Arbeloa turned to , leaving on the bench. That decision did not go unnoticed.