Football News: Real Madrid VS Espanyol, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. take Real Madrid to third win  

After nine games, Real Madrid and Real Betis are tied atop the table. Seven-point Barcelona and Villarreal follow, followed by six-point Osasuna and Real Sociedad.

Joselu tied the game for Espanyol on a rebound right before halftime after Vinicius Junior had given the visitors the lead with a first-touch finish off a beautiful pass by Aurelien Tchouameni.

It was Aurelien Tchouameni's debut game as the starter in place of the departed Brazilian star Casemiro. As early as the 12-minute mark, he had already contributed to the team's success with an assist, setting the tone for a solid performance in the middle of the field.

Tchouameni bolstered Real Madrid's midfield and proved why the club was willing to pay Monaco up to 100 million euros ($99.49 million) for the 22-year-old France international.

Karim Benzema inches closer to Ballon d'Or glory

To the delight of their fans, Espanyol gave the reigning Winners League and LaLiga champions Real Madrid all they could handle in the second half, taking the lead for the majority of the period after Real Madrid had held the upper hand for the first.

After receiving a ball within the penalty area, Javi Puado nearly put the home team ahead with a shot that a defender for a corner kick stoppe

Thibaut Courtois made a spectacular one-handed save from close range to deny Joselu in the 58th minute.

Seeing Espanyol's increased intensity, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti substituted in youthful players Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga, who helped turn the match in Real's favour, particularly on the counterattack.

Benzema got a golden chance, but goalie Benjamin Lecomte saved it, he missed the target again, and the goal that should have stood was disallowed due to a questionable offside call.

It appeared that the home team would score first in the second half, but with two minutes remaining, Rodrygo delivered a pinpoint cross to Benzema at the far post, and the French striker scored to put Real Madrid back in the lead.

Benjamin Lecomte, the Espanyol goalkeeper, was given a red card for a late tackle on Dani Ceballos on the outskirts of the area following a video review.

Benzema took care of the free-kick, and defender Leandro Cabrera's handling the ball, bent it into the bottom corner to seal the victory.