Real Madrid VS Espanyol Predictions
Espanyol vs Real Madrid: Los Blancos Look to Tighten Their Grip on La Liga Lead
Real Madrid visit the RCDE Stadium to take on relegation-threatened Espanyol in a crucial La Liga clash, the league leaders aim to extend their four-point advantage over Atletico Madrid, while Espanyol are fighting to climb out of the relegation zone as they sit one point from safety.
Prediction
Real Madrid to win both halves and full time win also score over 1.5 goals, over 2.5 goals full time
Data Analysis
Expected Goals Against (xGA): Espanyol’s xGA is among the highest in La Liga, reflecting their defensive struggles. Real Madrid’s xGA has been steady, though they’ve conceded in three of their last five matches.
Average Possession: Real Madrid dominate possession with an average of 62%, while Espanyol manage around 45%, often ceding control to stronger opponents.
Touches in Box: Madrid lead La Liga in touches inside the opposition box, while Espanyol rank near the bottom.
Attack Stats: Real Madrid have scored 20 goals in their last five matches across all competitions, while Espanyol have managed just six goals in their last six league games.
Defensive Stats: Espanyol have kept only one clean sheet in their last ten matches. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have conceded in each of their last three away games.
What's at Stake
For Real Madrid, this match is an opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of La Liga and maintain momentum heading into a busy February schedule.
For Espanyol, every point is vital as they battle relegation. A loss could see them fall further behind in the fight for survival.
Match Decider
The key battle will be between Real Madrid’s dynamic attack and Espanyol’s fragile defense. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior’s pace and finishing ability could exploit gaps in the hosts’ backline, while Espanyol will rely on counterattacks led by Javi Puado.
Players to Watch Out For
Real Madrid:
Kylian Mbappe
He has been in red-hot form with 15 league goals this season, including eight in his last six games.
Espanyol:
Javi Puado
He leads his team with seven league goals and will be crucial for any counterattacking opportunities.
Players Out
Espanyol:
Salvi Sanchez and Jose Gragera (injuries), Brian Olivan (doubtful).
Real Madrid:
Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal (long-term injuries), Eduardo Camavinga (doubtful due to a muscular issue).
Probable Lineups
Espanyol (4-4-2): J Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Carreras, Kral, Lozano, Tejero; Puado, Fernandez
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Form
Espanyol: Unbeaten at home since October but have only one win in their last six league matches. They drew 1-1 with Sevilla last weekend.
Real Madrid: Five consecutive wins across all competitions, including back-to-back 3-0 victories over Valladolid (La Liga) and Brest (Champions League).
Head-to-Head
Real Madrid have dominated this fixture historically with eight wins in their last ten meetings against Espanyol. The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Los Blancos claim a commanding 4-1 victory at home.
Key Stats
Real Madrid have scored 31 goals across nine matches in 2025 so far.
Espanyol haven’t beaten Real Madrid at home since October 2021.
Both teams have scored in four of their last five league meetings.