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Real Madrid are drifting toward a deeply frustrating campaign, with Barcelona potentially crowned champions if Los Blancos fail to claim victory in Catalonia on Sunday evening.
Espanyol have been in poor form recently and have little to play for, but Madrid have equally lacked intensity during the closing stages of the season. The writing is on the wall, with Barcelona's nine-match winning streak stretching their lead at the top to 11 points.
Things are expected to look considerably different in the Spanish capital next season amid speculation that José Mourinho could return to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, who is almost certain to be dismissed at the end of the campaign.
Madrid are simply looking to put 2025–26 behind them, but first they must navigate a potentially embarrassing Clásico following Sunday's fixture.
Courtois Set for Injury Return
Thibaut Courtois took part in partial training on Friday and could be back in Arbeloa's starting eleven ahead of El Clásico, having been sidelined for six weeks.
Kylian Mbappé is already considered a doubt for the Barcelona fixture due to a hamstring problem, meaning the Frenchman will certainly not feature this weekend. Gonzalo García, who has had limited opportunities since catching the eye at last summer's Club World Cup, is expected to earn a rare La Liga start in his place.
Arda Güler has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Éder Militão has picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him out for the foreseeable future. Rodrygo faces an extended spell on the sidelines, and there are also questions surrounding Aurélien Tchouaméni's availability after he missed the 1–1 draw in Seville.
Dani Ceballos's relationship with the manager has reportedly soured, and Arbeloa is said to have little faith in both Dani Carvajal and Raúl Asencio either.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Espanyol
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Liverpool boss Arne Slot commented this week on how goalkeeper recoveries differ from outfield players, hinting that Alisson would feature if he trains. Given that Courtois has resumed training in some form ahead of Sunday's match, he appears on course to start.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—With Carvajal unlikely to be given many chances to see out his Madrid career, Trent is expected to keep his place at right back.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger—Rüdiger reportedly had a heated altercation with an unnamed teammate this week, though that is unlikely to affect his standing in the manager's plans this weekend.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Composedly partnering the German is Huijsen, who has endured a somewhat difficult debut season in the Spanish capital.
LB: Ferland Mendy—With Álvaro Carreras badly out of form and Fran García out of favour, Mendy looks set to continue on the left flank in Catalonia.
RM: Federico Valverde—Arbeloa's versatile workhorse may need to produce something extraordinary to keep Madrid's slim title hopes alive. Valverde has thrived under the current manager after finding it difficult to connect with Xabi Alonso.
CM: Thiago Pitarch—The youngster could lose his place if Aurélien Tchouaméni is fit enough to start, though the Frenchman's availability for Sunday remains uncertain.
CM: Jude Bellingham—It has been a subdued season for Bellingham, who has been hampered by a serious hamstring injury in 2026. Only occasional flashes of his commanding best have been seen since his return to the squad.
LM: Brahim Díaz—Not an ideal position, but Díaz will largely operate from the left half-space and will rely on Mendy to provide consistent width from the fullback role.
ST: Gonzalo García—The Club World Cup standout is set to make his seventh La Liga start of the season in Mbappé's absence. He has scored four goals, though the limited striker has yet to prove he is operating at the required level.
ST: Vinicius Junior—Vini Jr will welcome the added responsibility with Mbappé absent, even as the mood surrounding this Madrid side remains rather gloomy. The Brazilian is the club's second-highest La Liga scorer this season with 13 goals.