Prediction: Espanyol vs Real Madrid

Officially getting the 2026/27 La Liga campaign underway on Saturday night, Real Madrid will travel to Catalonia when they meet Espanyol.

With Europe’s elite domestic leagues making their respective returns this weekend, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available.

Verdict: Real Madrid win & Under 4. goals

Espanyol

Starting with the hosts, while Espanyol might have signed off the 2025/26 campaign by mustering seven points from their final three La Liga showdowns, the Parakeets narrowly missed out on the chance to punch a top-half finish among Spain’s elite. However, despite getting proceedings underway with an empathetic statement as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp at home against Levante, Manolo Gonzalez’s men will certainly be bracing themselves for a stern examination here. Hit with a routine 2-0 loss when they last welcomed Real Madrid to Catalonia for a La Liga battle back on May 3rd, Espanyol should be concerned by a nightmare record against Los Blancos. In fact, Saturday’s hosts have lost six of their previous seven matchups against the Spanish icons across all competitions.

Still sidelined with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance across any competition since the start of January, academy graduate Javi Puado remains on the sidelines. Likewise, one-time Middlesbrough striker Kike Garcia will miss out through a hamstring injury.

Bagging a sensational La Liga brace against Levante last weekend, former Barcelona youngster Roberto Fernandez Jaen will spearhead Espanyol’s charge in the final third.

Real Madrid

As for the visitors, once again missing out on the chance to get their hands on a single piece of silverware last season, Real Madrid found themselves at the heart of a public crisis. However, watching Jose Mourinho complete a blockbuster return to the Spanish capital this summer, Los Blancos have a huge amount of exceptions on their shoulders this time around. Nevertheless, signing off their pre-season preparations with a routine 3-0 victory against German outfit Schalke, Saturday’s guests will know the importance of making an immediate statement in Catalonia. Landing that 2-0 win when they travelled to Espanyol for a La Liga showdown back in May, the former Manchester United boss will be desperate to get his second tenure underway with a repeat performance this weekend.

Completing a blockbuster £100million switch from RB Leipzig this summer, new recruit Yan Diomande will make his competitive Real Madrid debut here. Likewise, crowned as a World Cup winner in North America last month, ex-Chelsea star Marc Cucurella will start at left-back.

Storming his way to Spain’s Golden Boot last season after notching 25 goals in his 31 La Liga appearances, attacking talisman and French skipper Kylian Mbappe will spearhead Los Blancos’ charge in the final third.

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Key Factors to Consider

• When Espanyol and Real Madrid last met for a La Liga showdown back in May, Los Blancos claimed a 2-0 victory in Catalonia.
• In fact, Real Madrid have won six of their last seven matchups against Espanyol across all competitions.
• French skipper Kylian Mbappe notched 25 goals in his 31 La Liga appearances last season.
• Continuing on from last season, Espanyol have registered 10 points from their last four La Liga showdowns.
• Each of Madrid’s final four competitive battles outside of the Spanish capital finished with under 2.5 goals.

Officially getting Mourinho’s shock return underway on Saturday night, Real Madrid will be desperate to make an immediate statement here. Landing a 2-0 victory when they last travelled to Catalonia back in May, Los Blancos will be dreaming of a repeat performance this weekend. Likewise, winning six of their previous seven showdowns against Espanyol, Madrid will be seeking a professional performance when they open up the 2026/27 campaign on Saturday night. While the Parakeets might have enjoyed an eye-catching flurry on either side of the summer interval, Saturday’s hosts will be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge.

Verdict: Real Madrid win & Under 4. goals

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: Manchester City vs Bournemouth

Premier League

Premier League

Prediction: Hull City vs Manchester United

Premier League

Prediction: Arsenal vs Coventry City

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.