The new La Liga season kicked off last weekend, but this is the first match for Real Madrid. They’re hoping to make a bright start under José Mourinho at the RCDE Stadium against Espanyol.
Fernández looking to inspire Espanyol again
Espanyol eased to a 3-0 home win over Levante last Sunday. A first-half brace from Roberto Fernández did the damage, with the striker already on his way to bettering last season’s tally of seven goals in 38 league appearances.
Fernández has a key role to play given that fellow striker Kike García is a long-term injury absentee. Javi Puado is still recovering from an ACL tear, and centre-back Leandro Cabrera is suspended.
After such an impressive display, Manolo González is unlikely to make any changes. Summer signing Álex Calatrava will continue in an advanced midfield role. Hopes are high that he can make the step up from the Segunda División, after joining from Castellón.
Espanyol predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Dmitrović; El Hilali, Riedel, Núñez, Hinojo; Expósito, González de Zárate; Dolan, Calatrava, Hernández; R. Fernández.
Fitness issues for Real Madrid as Mourinho era begins
Having initially departed Real Madrid in 2013, Mourinho is back at the Santiago Bernabéu. His options for this opening game are limited by injuries to Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy and Thiago Pitarch.
All of the main attacking players in this Real Madrid squad are available, although Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham have had brief pre-seasons following the World Cup.
Vinícius Júnior was eliminated from that competition at the round-of-16 stage and will have an important role to play. He registered 16 goals in 36 league outings last term and has signed a new contract this summer.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Silva; Brahim, Güler, Vinícius; Mbappé.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Prediction
- Safe Tip: Espanyol +2 Handicap
- Odds: 1.285 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Espanyol 2-2 Real Madrid
- 22Bet Booking Code: MCFXU
Key stats:
- Real Madrid haven’t won by more than two goals on any of their last six visits to the RCDE Stadium.
- Espanyol have triumphed in two of their past four home games against Los Blancos.
- The hosts didn’t face a single shot on target in their 3-0 win over Levante last time out.
Espanyol have taken 10 points from their previous four league outings. They have a settled squad who have been boosted by the additions of Calatrava and Unai Nuñez.
Mbappé and Bellingham have only made one pre-season appearance for Real Madrid following their international commitments. €125m signing Yan Diomande has also had limited time on the pitch with his new teammates, so Los Blancos won’t be at their sharpest in attack in this game.
Backing the hosts with a +2 handicap makes sense.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Both teams to score
- Odds: 1.86 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: V7FXU
Both teams to score also offers value at odds of 1.86. Including friendlies, this has been a winning bet in three of the past five Real Madrid games. The visitors only failed to score twice in 19 away fixtures in La Liga 2025/26.
Espanyol showed enough in their season opener to suggest they will get on the scoresheet. They had 16 shots against Levante, with winger Tyrhys Dolan sealing a convincing victory.
Verdict: Espanyol +2 Handicap (1.285) — Espanyol 2-2 Real Madrid
