Real prevail as Casillas sees red

REAL MADRID overcame the second-minute dismissal of Iker Casillas to beat Espanyol 1-0 last night and move to within five points of fierce rivals Barcelona at the top of the Primera Division.

Casillas was shown a straight red card for a supposed foul on Jose Callejon just outside the box after less than 90 seconds, but the Espanyol forward went to ground far too easily after minimal contact with the Spain keeper.

The dismissal produced an immediate reshuffle from Real coach Jose Mourinho, who sent on reserve keeper Adan and hauled off Argentina winger Angel di Maria.