The Matchday 5 La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Espanyol will take place on September 20 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Real Madrid vs. Espanyol: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Madrid
Following the last round, Xabi Alonso's side became the sole leaders of La Liga, leading the nearest rival by two points. So far, Madrid boasts maximum points after four matches. Notably, Real Madrid defeated Osasuna (1-0) and Mallorca (2-1) at home, and overcame Oviedo (3-0) and Real Sociedad (2-1) away. The club's winning streak in La Liga has now extended to seven matches.
- Madrid's uncompromising run in the championship stands at 18 matches (15 wins and 3 losses).
- At home in La Liga, Real Madrid has six consecutive wins.
- The team has not scored more than two goals in 6 of their last 7 home matches in La Liga.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-4-2)
Thibaut Courtois – Alvaro Carreras, Dean Heysen, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal – Brahim Diaz, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos – Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior.
Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy will miss out due to injuries. Defender Dean Heysen will be absent due to suspension.
Espanyol
There are only four teams left in La Liga that have not suffered a defeat after four rounds, and Manolo Gonzalez's side is among them. Notably, the club played three matches at home, securing three victories. However, away, the Catalans drew with Real Sociedad (2-2). In the last round, Espanyol showed resilience, managing to snatch three points from Mallorca at home, despite playing the entire second half with ten men (3-2). As a result, the team is in third place, trailing Barcelona on goal difference.
- The Catalans' unbeaten run in the championship stands at five matches (4 wins and 1 draw).
- The team has conceded in 9 of their last 11 matches in La Liga.
- Away, the club has not won in five consecutive La Liga games (2 draws and 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Espanyol (4-4-2)
Marko Dmitrovic – Fernando Calero, Omar El Hilali, Carlos Romero, Leandro Cabrera – Pere Milla, Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano, Tyris Dolan – Roberto Fernandez Jaen, Javi Puado.
Midfielder Pere Milla is out due to suspension.
Referee
Juan Martinez Munuera (Spain)
Matches – 20 (La Liga, 2024/2025–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 103;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.2;
Red cards shown – 7;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 25%.
Match Prediction: Real Madrid vs. Espanyol
The capital club is accustomed to playing in multiple tournaments simultaneously, so they will be in good shape following their Champions League match. I believe Madrid will secure their fifth consecutive victory in the current La Liga season. After all, Real Madrid plays well against Espanyol in La Liga and has won all of their last 10 encounters at the Santiago Bernabeu. Moreover, in this series of head-to-head meetings, Madrid has won by two or more goals on nine occasions.
It's also worth noting the stats within La Liga itself. Real Madrid has won 9 of their last 10 home matches. Meanwhile, the Catalans have not been impressive on the road, winning just 3 of their last 21 away games (5 draws and 13 losses). Additionally, Espanyol has conceded at least two goals in their last three away games. Given Xabi Alonso's side's strong attack, I expect a confident victory for the hosts, with them scoring two or more goals.
My prediction – Real Madrid with a handicap (-1.5)
Thibaut Сourtois
