The club from the suburbs of Barcelona, having returned in 2024 after a brief spell in the Segunda, finished with just 42 points and fourteenth place. After the summer break, they had a great start. But in 2026, they literally forgot how to win! Against Levante in the previous round, there was also only a goalless draw.<\/p>\n
The capital giants did not win a single trophy in 2025. Xabi Alonso failed to improve the situation and was sacked after losing the Super Cup to Barcelona. However, his successor also started with a setback against a much more modest Albacete, leading to elimination from the Copa del Rey as well. They did better in the Champions League, getting past Benfica and Manchester City in the playoffs, but although they put up a decent fight, they were eliminated by Bayern in the quarterfinals after losing both legs. In La Liga, although they managed to overtake Yamal and company in March, a series of defeats then buried their chances of taking the title. After finally beating Alaves, they were held to a draw by Betis in the last round.<\/p>\n
The Catalans have dropped to the point where, averaging 1.12 goals scored per game, they concede even more, 1.48 per match. The capital stars look better statistically: 2.06 goals scored and 0.94 conceded on average.<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: Espanyol vs Real Madrid<\/p>\n
The capital giants have won nine of the last eleven head-to-head encounters, losing just twice.<\/p>\n
Both teams are playing out the season, but the visitors clearly have a stronger squad. We predict an away win for Real Madrid (odds \u2013 1.75).<\/p>\n
Espanyol vs Real Madrid: Key Statistics and Trends
\nEspanyol is winless in 2026
\n58% of Espanyol’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.61
\nReal Madrid lost four of their last six matches
\n61% of Real Madrid’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 3.0
\nEspanyol vs Real Madrid: Probable Starting Lineups
\nEspanyol lines up in a 1-4-4-1-1 formation (probable lineup): Dmitrovic – Romero, Cabrera, Riedl, El Hilali – Exposito, Dolan, Lozano, Gonzalez – Ngonge – Fernandez. Puado is doubtful due to injury.<\/p>\n
Real Madrid uses a 1-4-4-2 formation (probable lineup): Lunin – Garcia, Asensio, Rudiger, Carvajal – Brahim Diaz, Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde – Vinicius Junior, Mastantuono. Mbappe has joined Militao, Rodrygo, Guler, and Courtois in the injury list.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"