La Liga kicks off for Espanyol and Real Madrid on August 22, 2026, with the home side looking to defy significant odds against the reigning champions. Espanyol endured a challenging previous season, finishing with 10 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses, scoring 37 and conceding 48. Their recent form is particularly concerning, having failed to win any of their last five league outings, registering two draws and three defeats. This run of form, coupled with a win rate of just 32%, paints a bleak picture for their opening fixture.
Conversely, Real Madrid arrives in excellent shape, boasting 22 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses from their last campaign, with a formidable 65 goals scored and just 29 conceded. Their recent form includes three wins, one draw, and one loss from their last five, underlining their consistent threat. Despite Espanyol's surprising 1-0 victory in a recent head-to-head, Real Madrid has dominated this fixture, winning four of the last five encounters. All signs point to a Real Madrid victory, with the odds heavily favouring the away side and an 'Over 2.5 goals' outcome appearing likely given Real's attacking prowess and Espanyol's defensive vulnerabilities. Watch for Real Madrid’s attacking stars to exploit the spaces Espanyol are likely to leave.
13. M. Dmitrovic, 23. O. El Hilali, 5. C. Riedel, 14. U. Nunez, 29. R. Hinojo, 4. U. Gonzalez, 8. Exposito, 22. A. Calatrava, 28. J. Hernandez, 24. T. Dolan, 9. R. Fernandez Jaen
1. T. Courtois, 12. T. Alexander-Arnold, 16. I. Konate, 4. D. Huijsen, 18. A. Carreras, 20. B. Silva, 8. F. Valverde, 21. B. Diaz, 15. A. Guler, 7. Vinicius Junior, 10. K. Mbappe
Match events
9' Goal Normal Goal — J. Bellingham (Real Madrid) (assists: A. Guler)
30' Goal Normal Goal — A. Calatrava (Espanyol) (assists: J. Hernandez)
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