Espanyol vs Real Madrid Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | LaLiga 2026-27

This will be Los Blancos’ first game of the 2026-27 season.

Matchday 2 of the 2026-27 LaLiga season will take us to the RCDE Stadium, where Espanyol and Real Madrid will lock horns in an intense clash. With 12 wins, 10 draws and 16 losses, Espanyol ended the last LaLiga campaign in 11th place by clinching 46 points.

Espanyol’s manager, Manolo Gonzalez, has done an incredible job with the team ever since he took over the club in early 2024. He led his team to a statement 3-0 win over Levante in their opening game of this new season.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are coming into this game after making massive changes during the summer transfer window. They have appointed Jose Mourinho as their manager as well. They will look to get back to winning ways after going trophyless in the last two years.

Los Blancos registered four wins and a draw in five pre-season friendlies. They have looked impressive so far. This will be a crucial game for Jose Mourinho’s side as they will prefer to start this season with a victory.

Kickoff:

Location: Catalonia, Spain

Stadium: RCDE Stadium

Date & Kick-off Time: August 23, Sunday – 01:00 am IST; August 22, Saturday – 07:30 pm GMT/03:30 pm ET/12:30 pm PT

Referee: TBD

VAR: In use

Form:

Espanyol (in all competitions): W-L-D-D-D

Real Madrid (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-W

Players to watch out for:

Roberto Fernández (Espanyol)

The Spanish striker had a stellar display against Levante in the opening matchday of the 2026/27 campaign. He scored a brace. He made his permanent move to Espanyol after a loan spell in 2025 and has been a crucial part of the team ever since.

He holds up the opposition defenders quite well and allows his teammates to come into the game. He is a lethal finisher as well. He will play a key role against Real Madrid.  

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

The Frenchman is going to play an important role in the attacking front for Real Madrid against Espanyol. Kylian Mbappe has been a constant threat to the opponent’s defence. He is coming into this season after having one of his historic World Cup campaigns.

He has been Real Madrid’s top goalscorer ever since he joined the club. He will be eager to establish his importance under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 2-0 win for Real Madrid.
• Espanyol won 3-0 against Levante in their last game.  
• Real Madrid won 3-0 against Schalke 04 in their last game.

Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Los Blancos to win – 1.29 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – Yes – 1.51 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.69 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Kike García and Javi Puado will be unavailable for the home side due to their respective injuries.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be without the likes of Raúl Asencio, Thiago Pitarch, Éder Militão, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy for their clash against Espanyol.

Head-to-Head:

Total matches: 201

Espanyol won: 46

Real Madrid won: 119

Draws: 36

Predicted Lineups:

Espanyol (4-2-3-1)

Dmitrović (GK); Hilali, Riedel, Núñez, Hinojo; González, Expósito; Calatrava, Hernández, Dolan; Fernández

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Courtois (GK); Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Silva; Diaz, Guler, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

Match Prediction:

This encounter is expected to be close. There will be no room for error for both sides. However, considering their momentum and previous record, Real Madrid are expected to clinch a win.

They are likely to claim all three points against Espanyol in their upcoming clash despite being the away side.

Prediction: Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid

Telecast details:

India: Fancode

UK: Disney+

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.