Watch Espanyol vs Real Madrid at the RCDE Stadium in LaLiga on LiveScore Bet for logged-in users with a funded account (UK and Ireland customers only).
The match is also available across several television and streaming platforms internationally. UK viewers can watch the match live on Disney+ Premium, while on the United States, viewers can watch on ABC, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, with FuboTV and the ESPN App also offering streaming options.
In Canada, the match is available through TSN+.
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Disney+ Premium / LiveScore Bet |
United States | ABC / ESPN Deportes / ESPN+ / fuboTV / ESPN App |
Canada | TSN+ |
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Match Preview
Espanyol made an excellent start to the 2026–27 campaign by beating Levante 3-0 at home, with Roberto Fernández scoring twice before Tyrhys Dolan completed the victory. Manolo González’s side finished 11th last season and will hope their strong opening can help them improve on that position this time around. Their recent form has now produced back-to-back competitive wins, with the clean sheet against Levante particularly encouraging.
Real Madrid are still waiting for their first competitive match of the season after their opening fixture was postponed. Los Blancos finished second in LaLiga last season and have made significant changes to the squad ahead of Mourinho’s return, with Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande among the major additions.
Madrid ended preseason with a 3-0 win over Schalke, giving them a positive result before their competitive campaign begins. Espanyol will be confident after their opening-day display, but this represents a considerably tougher test for González’s men. Madrid, meanwhile, will be expected to make their extra preparation count and could immediately put themselves among the early title contenders with a victory.
Espanyol Team News and Key Players
Javi Puado and Kike García are unavailable through injury.
Vanja Drkusic is available and has said he is ready to make his debut against Madrid.
Roberto Fernández is expected to continue leading the attack after his two-goal performance against Levante.
Potential starting XI: Marko Dmitrovic; Omar El Hilali, Clemens Riedl, Unai Núñez, Roger Hinojo; Edu Expósito, Urko González de Zárate; Tyrhys Dolan, Javi Hernández, Álex Calatrava; Roberto Fernández.
Roberto Fernández is the obvious player to watch after opening the season with two goals against Levante. The striker took advantage of Kike García’s absence and immediately gave González another attacking option to rely on.
Tyrhys Dolan also enters the match in good form after scoring Espanyol’s third goal against Levante. The English forward’s pace could cause problems for Madrid’s full-backs, particularly if the hosts are able to counter quickly.
Marko Dmitrovic will also be important after Espanyol kept a clean sheet in their opener, with the goalkeeper benefiting from a much more disciplined defensive performance.
Real Madrid Team News and Key Players
Éder Militão, Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio remain unavailable through injury.
Ferland Mendy and Endrick are also doubts ahead of the trip to Catalonia.
Aurélien Tchouaméni has been managing his return to full fitness and remains a selection doubt.
Mourinho is expected to continue with a 4-2-3-1 system.
Potential starting XI: Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Yan Diomande, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé will be the main threat for Madrid after returning to action in the final preseason fixture against Schalke. The French striker scored in that 3-0 victory and will now be looking to carry that momentum into his first competitive appearance of the new campaign.
Vinícius Júnior is another obvious danger for Espanyol, particularly given his record against the hosts. The Brazilian scored both goals when Madrid won 2-0 at the RCDE Stadium in May and will once again be central to Mourinho’s attacking plans.
Yan Diomande could also make his competitive debut after joining Madrid in the summer. Mourinho has identified the young forward as one of his key attacking options, while Bernardo Silva gives the visitors another experienced creator in midfield.
Previous Head to Heads
Real Madrid have dominated the recent matchup, winning four of the last five meetings between the sides.
Madrid won both meetings during the 2025–26 LaLiga season, recording a 2-0 victory at the Bernabéu in September before winning 2-0 at the RCDE Stadium in May.
Vinícius Júnior scored both goals in the most recent meeting in Barcelona, giving Madrid another victory at Espanyol’s home ground.
Espanyol’s most recent victory over Madrid came in February 2025, when Carlos Romero scored the only goal of the game at the RCDE Stadium.
Madrid have therefore won their last two visits to Espanyol’s home ground.
Score Prediction: Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid
Espanyol’s 3-0 victory over Levante means Madrid should not expect an easy evening, especially with González’s side playing at home and already having competitive minutes under their belts. However, Madrid have too much attacking quality to overlook. Mbappé and Vinícius should eventually find a way through, although Espanyol’s improved defensive organisation could keep the scoreline relatively close.
Key information and details
UK Kick-off Time: 8:30 p.m. BST
ET Kick-off Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
PT Kick-off Time: 12:30 p.m. PT
Stadium: RCDE Stadium
Competition: LaLiga EA Sports 2026–27
Date: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
