WATCH: Real Madrid double their lead against Espanyol as Kylian Mbappe continues excellent form | OneFootball

Real Madrid are on their way to making it five wins from five at the start of the new La Liga campaign, having made it 2-0 against Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Xabi Alonso made some interesting tactical changes for the match, with Gonzalo Garcia brought in to form a partnership in attack with Kylian Mbappe. But it was neither player that has opened the scoring – instead, it was an unlikely source that has broken the deadlock.

Real Madrid struggled to make any clear chances in the opening 23 minutes, and their opening goal could barely be called that too. Picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, Eder Militao drove forward before launching a ferocious strike that left Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic with no chance.

Espanyol have caused issues for Los Blancos, although breathing space has now come as Real Madrid have scored their second of the afternoon – and in familiar fashion, it has come from Mbappe.

It’s an excellent strike from Mbappe, who finishes off a counter-attacking move from the edge of the box. After receiving the ball from Vinicius Junior, he powered the ball into the near corner with precision, leaving Dmitrovic with no chance whatsoever for the second time in the afternoon.

It has not been a straightforward match for Real Madrid

Real Madrid are well on their way to a victory that will see them continue their 100% record, but it has not been easy. Espanyol had chances during the first half to get an equaliser, although the wind would have been knocked out of their sails with this Mbappe goal, especially given that it has come so soon into the second period.

It should be straightforward for Real Madrid to see this out, and if they do, it will be another signal of intent to Barcelona in the inevitable La Liga title race.