Preview: Espanyol vs Real Madrid – Tips, Predictions, Possible Lineups

August 22, 2026
1:31 pm

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Here comes the first real test for José Mourinho! Although the season started a week ago, Real Madrid (and Barcelona) haven’t played their first game yet. And now, Real Madrid is preparing for the first league match of a new era in Barcelona against Espanyol. The past weeks were particularly interesting because the two Spanish giants were “fighting” for World Cup winner Rodri, who ultimately chose Barcelona. José Mourinho says now that Rodri was “not a necessity to sign, just a cherry on top” for Real Madrid. I have doubts about this, to be honest, but José might know better.

The opener

The opening match of a season rarely goes how it should, although Real Madrid is the favourite for the match. Mourinho’s team must immediately strike a balance between possession, control, and freedom for their attacking line, while Espanyol has little reason to play open, attacking football. The home team should close down the central areas and only allow Real Madrid to play in certain zones, then press quickly when Madrid loses possession.

José Mourinho, in my opinion, will want to demonstrate quickly that this Madrid team is ready to fight and win all titles this year. That’s why Madrid will probably start with a high-tempo game, utilising Vini Junior and the newly signed Yan Diomande on the sides. Brahim seems to start ahead of the young Ivorian.

The predicted lineup suggests that, among the new signings, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahim Konate will likely start. Cucurella, Diomande, and Dumfries will be on the bench, ready to come on.

Espanyol played last week, kicking off the season, and won 3-0 against Levante. Fernandez Jaen was the main hero as he scored two goals in the first half, and Dolan made it 3 at the 80th minute.

In the last five meetings between Espanyol and Real Madrid, the team from the capital has won four times, while the Barcelona side has won once. Real scored 11 goals and only conceded 3.