Madrid could turn to Espanyol's de la Pena

Unable to sign AC Milan's Kaka or Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal, the next best answer for Real Madrid could be Espanyol's Ivan de la Pena.

Spanish daily ABC reported Tuesday that the former FC Barcelona midfielder was being lined up by new coach Bernd Schuster to fill the attacking midfielder spot that either Kaka or Fabregas was earmarked for.

De la Pena is out of contract after four seasons at Espanyol, which he helped guide to the UEFA Cup final in May and a Copa del Rey trophy in 2006.

The former Lazio and Marseilles player was once considered one of Spain's brightest attacking midfielders, earning five call-ups for Spain.

Van Nistelrooy, Guti and Reyes finished the game with physical problems.

The Dutch striker received a strong blow on his sacred bone, while Guti and Reyes also received hard knocks on their ankles. All three players will be examined by the Club's medical staff at Valdebebas on Monday, when a decision will be made concerning their recovery.

Espanyol 0-1 Real Madrid.

Espanyol		Real Madrid
0		1
GOALS
		Ruud van Nistelrooij 50
RED CARDS
		Fabio Cannavaro 54
YELLOW CARDS
Hurtado Moises 14 Pablo Javier Zabaleta 77		Robinho 39 Fabio Cannavaro 48 Roberto Carlos 73 Michel Salgado 81

Match Report: Espanyol Vs Real Madrid.

First Division - Day 15

Espanyol 0 - Real Madrid 1 Espanyol: Kameni; Zabaleta, Jarque, Torrejón, Chica; Rufete (Pandiani 56'), Moisés Hurtado, De la Peña, Moha (Corominas 75'); Luis García, Tamudo. 4-4-2. Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Guti, Emerson; Robinho (Mejía 55'), Raúl, Reyes (Diarra 70'); Van Nistelrooy (Raúl Bravo 85'). 4-2-3-1. Team changes: Espanyol: No change / Madrid: Robinho, Reyes for Beckham, Ronaldo. Goals: 0-1. 49. Van Nistelrooy. Picked up Guti pass and beat Kameni with shot on turn.