Real Madrid Set to Clash with Espanyol: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Espanyol represents the latest challenge seeking to inflict Real Madrid's inaugural defeat of the 2025–26 campaign.
Real Madrid enters this encounter atop La Liga after four fixtures in Xabi Alonso's maiden season as manager. The Madrid powerhouse has claimed triumphs over Osasuna, Real Oviedo, Mallorca and Real Sociedad to stand as the sole squad with a perfect 12 points from 12 available.
However, Espanyol trails Los Blancos by only a narrow margin in the table. The Catalan outfit remains without defeat this term, posting notable victories against Atlético Madrid and Mallorca to occupy third position. Manolo González's squad aims to continue their excellent run against Real Madrid.
The visitors won't lack self-belief, despite Espanyol's previous triumph at the Santiago Bernabéu occurring 29 years prior in 1996.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive match preview.
What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Espanyol Kick-Off?
Real Madrid vs. Espanyol Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (All Competitions)
Real Madrid | Espanyol |
|---|---|
Real Madrid 2–1 Marseille - 9/16/25 | Espanyol 3–2 Mallorca - 9/15/25 |
Real Sociedad 1–2 Real Madrid - 9/13/25 | Espanyol 1–0 Osasuna - 8/31/25 |
Real Madrid 2–1 Mallorca - 8/30/25 | Real Sociedad 2–2 Espanyol - 8/24/25 |
Real Oviedo 0–3 Real Madrid - 8/24/25 | Espanyol 2–1 Atlético Madrid - 8/17/25 |
Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna - 8/19/25 | Newcastle United 2–2 Espanyol - 8/8/25 |
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Espanyol on TV
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, FuboTV |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 1 |
Canada | TSN+, Prime Video |
Mexico | Sky+, Sky Sports Mexico |
Real Madrid Team News
As has become familiar from previous campaigns, Real Madrid face defensive personnel shortages. Trent Alexander-Arnold has joined Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy on the injury list following a hamstring problem sustained against Marseille on Tuesday evening.
Dean Huijsen is also unavailable for the fixture after receiving his marching orders last weekend at Reale Arena. Real Madrid's efforts to overturn the disputed dismissal were unsuccessful, opening the door for Raúl Asencio or Aurélien Tchouaméni to partner Éder Militão in defense.
Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga could also feature for their first appearances this season, though neither is anticipated to begin given their extended absence through injury.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Espanyol
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Carvajal, Militão, Asencio, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Güler, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé.
Espanyol Team News
Espanyol will miss Pere Milla for their journey to the Spanish capital. The forward must complete his ban following the red card shown last weekend versus Mallorca.
The absence of the 32-year-old represents a significant setback for the Catalans; Milla scored in three of Espanyol's opening four fixtures this campaign. The responsibility falls to Kike García to lead the attack alongside Roberto Fernández.
José Gragera remains sidelined with an ongoing muscular problem, while Brian Oliván continues his recovery from the persistent calf issue that has ruled him out since March.
Espanyol Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Espanyol predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2): Dmitrović; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Dolan, Lozano, González de Zárate, Puado; K. García, Fernández.
Real Madrid vs. Espanyol Score Prediction
While Espanyol has surpassed early season expectations, facing Real Madrid presents an entirely different level of difficulty. With Kylian Mbappé displaying exceptional scoring prowess, Alonso's side possesses superiority over virtually any Spanish opposition.
However, it seems unlikely Los Blancos will maintain a shutout without Huijsen available, particularly against the Catalan team that has netted eight times in their first four outings. Nevertheless, Milla's suspension will prove decisive for Espanyol's chances at the Santiago Bernabéu.