Vanja Drkusic ↑66′ · Rafel Bauza ↑66′ · Pol Lozano ↑75′ · Pere Milla ↑75′ · Jofre Carreras ↑88′ · Angel Fortuno · Quilindschy Hartman · Marcos Fernandez · Gabriel Moscardo · Leandro Cabrera · Kike Garcia · Javier Puado
Coach · Manolo Gonzalez
Match Preview
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-20 21:33 UTC
Espanyol and Real Madrid meet in early LaLiga clash at RCDE Stadium
Espanyol enter this matchday 2 fixture with momentum following a confident 3-0 victory over Levante in their league opener. Meanwhile, Real Madrid arrive at the RCDE Stadium looking to build on a summer of preparation as they begin their competitive campaign in earnest on 22 August 2026.
Espanyol's path to the second round
Espanyol have navigated a busy summer, balancing a series of friendly fixtures with a strong finish to their previous league campaign. Their recent 3-0 win against Levante demonstrated a clinical edge, providing the squad with a significant boost before facing the challenge of the reigning giants. With Roberto Fernandez proving to be a constant attacking threat, the home side will look to maintain the tactical discipline that has defined their recent form.
Real Madrid's transition and preparation
Real Madrid have spent the last few weeks refining their approach through a series of international friendlies, including a clean-sheet victory against Schalke 04. The focus for the visitors remains on integrating new personnel and establishing a rhythm under the manager's guidance. Having kept clean sheets in half of their last ten outings, the side appears to be prioritising defensive stability as the foundation for their high-powered attack.
Team news and expected lineups
Espanyol are expected to field Marko Dmitrovic in goal, protected by a back five featuring Omar El Hilali and Clemens Riedel. The midfield will likely rely on the creative instincts of Alex Calatrava and Edu Exposito to bridge the gap to Roberto Fernandez. For Real Madrid, the expected XI features a formidable front line of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, and Brahim Diaz.
The visitors must contend with the absence of Raul Asencio, Endrick, and Thiago Pitarch due to injury. Espanyol, meanwhile, will be without Leandro Cabrera, who is currently serving a suspension. These absences force both managers to lean on their squad depth during this early stage of the competition.
Historical context at the RCDE Stadium
Matches between these two clubs have frequently gone the way of the visitors in recent times. Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory at this venue on 3 May 2026, a result that mirrors their win in September 2025. While Espanyol did manage a narrow 1-0 win in February 2025, the weight of recent history suggests a difficult task for the hosts as they look to break that trend.
The tactical challenge ahead
As the match unfolds, the tactical battle will likely centre on Real Madrid's ability to break down a compact Espanyol block. The home side is expected to play with caution, aiming to limit space for the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. If Espanyol can successfully frustrate the visitors in the opening phase, they may find opportunities to exploit the gaps left by an aggressive Real Madrid setup.
Real Madrid
4-2-3-1
● Confirmed
10
Mbappe
7
Junior
5
⚽↓80′
Bellingham
15
↓64′
Guler
8
Valverde
20
↓80′
Silva
18
↓64′
Carreras
4
Huijsen
16
Konate
24
↓80′
Dumfries
1
Courtois
Bench (18)
Yan Diomande ↑64′ · Marc Cucurella ↑64′ · Eduardo Camavinga ↑80′ · Trent Alexander-Arnold ↑80′ · Carlos Espi ↑80′⚽ · Andriy Lunin · Antonio Ruediger · Jorge Cestero · Sergio Mestre · Mario Rivas · Brahim Diaz · Endrick · Aurelien Tchouameni · Eder Militao · Thiago Pitarch · Ferland Mendy · Raul Asencio · Rodrygo
Coach · Jose Mourinho
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
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