Espanyol Takes On Real Madrid: Key Matchup Breakdown, Bold Predictions, and Expected Lineups

Real Madrid kick off their 2026–27 La Liga campaign in Catalonia on Saturday night as José Mourinho's squad take on Espanyol.

Mourinho returns to the dugout for a second spell, despite his standing having diminished considerably over the last decade. Nevertheless, Florentino Pérez, burned by his bold experiment with Xabi Alonso, has turned back to a familiar face in an effort to dethrone Barcelona at the top of Spanish football.

Madrid have suffered consecutive trophy-less seasons, falling well short in both La Liga and the Champions League during the previous campaign.

While many question whether Mourinho can restore Los Blancos to their former glory, optimism is beginning to grow in the Spanish capital. Madrid have largely been shrewd in the transfer market and successfully tied down Vinícius Júnior to a new deal despite significant interest from Arsenal.

Preseason has been a positive one overall, with Mourinho's men remaining undefeated and putting in an impressive 3–0 victory against Schalke last weekend.

Their first league opponents, Espanyol, ended last season in 11th place in La Liga and will be looking to secure a top-half finish in the upcoming campaign.

Espanyol vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

Mourinho's Return Starts With Hard-Fought Win

Mourinho's return to Madrid stands as one of the most compelling narratives heading into the new campaign, though his comeback has been relatively understated so far. It was only recently that the Portuguese tactician addressed the press for the first time since accepting the role, indicating that Mourinho is focused purely on the work rather than the spotlight in his second tenure.

It remains to be seen how long that approach holds.

The task of helping Madrid topple an outstanding Barcelona side is no small feat, yet the quality available to Mourinho means that if he can unite his squad into a cohesive and dangerous unit, Los Blancos will pose a serious threat not just to the Blaugrana but also to European heavyweights such as Paris Saint-Germain.

Prediction: Espanyol 1–2 Real Madrid

Espanyol Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Espanyol's priciest summer acquisition, Álex Calatrava, who joined from second-division side Castellón for $5.9 million, is expected to make his competitive debut in a No. 10 role. Fellow new recruit Quilindschy Hartman is also set to feature from the start at left back.

However, it is the loan signing of Gabriel Moscardo that could prove pivotal to Espanyol's fortunes this season. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder possesses tremendous ability but needs to rediscover his best form, and will be carefully managed at his new club — meaning he may be kept on the bench for Saturday's opener.

The home side are missing Leandro Cabrera due to suspension, Javi Puado is nearing a return from a lengthy knee injury, and Kike García is dealing with a hamstring problem.

Espanyol predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-3-3): Dmitrović; El Hilali, Riedel, Núñez, Hartman; González, Expósito; Hernández, Calatrava, Dolam; Fernández.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Espanyol

Mourinho was able to reintegrate most of Madrid's World Cup players towards the tail end of preseason, though several may not yet be at full fitness.

Players such as Jude Bellingham and new arrival Ibrahima Konaté are not expected to be ready to start on Saturday, with substitute appearances more likely. In Bellingham's absence, Arda Güler — who has quickly become a Mourinho favourite — is expected to slot in as Madrid's No. 10. Experienced defender Antonio Rüdiger is set to line up alongside Dean Huijsen at the back.

The away side are currently missing Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio through injury, with Ferland Mendy, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo and Endrick also unavailable.

Kylian Mbappé begins his pursuit of a third consecutive Pichichi Trophy, while Vinícius Júnior will operate on the left wing, potentially alongside new signing Marc Cucurella.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Silva; Díaz, Güler, Vini Jr; Mbappé.

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