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How each AI model's picks settled — ranked by profit on this match (10 units staked per model).
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-17 20:22 UTC
Espanyol host Real Madrid in LaLiga opener
The new LaLiga season kicks off with Espanyol welcoming Real Madrid to the RCDE Stadium. For Espanyol, their journey to this point has been a mix of pre-season friendlies and a strong finish to the previous league campaign, including a 3-0 victory over Levante in their most recent outing. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have also been navigating a series of friendly matches, securing wins against Schalke 04 and Deportivo de A Coruna, alongside a draw with Ferencvaros.
Espanyol concluded their previous LaLiga season with a respectable run, including a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad and wins against Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao. Their pre-season schedule saw them face a variety of opponents, with a notable 3-0 win against Pau and draws against Middlesbrough and Burnley. The team kicked off their current LaLiga campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Levante, signalling positive early momentum.
Real Madrid have also been active in their preparations, with a 3-0 win against Schalke 04 and a 1-0 victory over Deportivo de A Coruna among their recent friendly results. The previous LaLiga season saw them finish strongly with wins against Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla, though they did suffer a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona. Their last league encounter against Espanyol resulted in a 0-2 victory for Real Madrid.
Espanyol's expected lineup features Roberto Fernandez in attack, supported by midfielders Tyrhys Dolan, Javi Hernandez, Alex Calatrava, Edu Exposito, and the defensive solidity of Roger Hinojo, Urko Gonzalez de Zarate, Unai Nunez, and Clemens Riedel, with Marko Dmitrovic in goal. Real Madrid's anticipated XI includes a potent forward line of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, and Brahim Diaz, marshalled by midfielders Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde. The defence is expected to be anchored by Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucurella, with Thibaut Courtois in net. However, Real Madrid will be without the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, Raul Asencio, Endrick, and Thiago Pitarch.
Recent history between these two sides has often favoured Real Madrid. In their last LaLiga meeting on 3 May 2026, Real Madrid secured a 0-2 victory. Prior to that, on 20 September 2025, Real Madrid also won 2-0. Espanyol did manage a 1-0 win on 1 February 2025, but Real Madrid have otherwise had the upper hand in their recent encounters.
With Real Madrid beginning their league campaign under José Mourinho, there is an expectation for them to start strongly and collect maximum points. The lack of a confirmed probable lineup for Espanyol suggests their approach may remain flexible. Real Madrid's new coaching setup might imply a more controlled or pragmatic opening fixture, though specific tactical changes are not yet confirmed.
This match marks the start of the new LaLiga season for both clubs. For Real Madrid, it is the first competitive league fixture of José Mourinho's second spell, framing it as an important early checkpoint. Playing at the RCDE Stadium gives Espanyol the home advantage as they look to begin their campaign positively against a strong Real Madrid side.
Official expected line-ups for this match from the data feed. Locks as Confirmed ~1h before kickoff.
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