All eyes will be on Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid host Espanyol in the fifth round of La Liga on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
View our free Real Madrid vs Espanyol predictions below.
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Real Madrid vs Espanyol predictions: Goals expected
Key stats
- At least three goals were scored in five of the last six meetings between these teams.
- Real Madrid have won six games in a row across all competitions.
- Espanyol are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run.
Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Espanyol
To be fair, Espanyol have been impressive, with no defeats in their last eight games across all competitions.
However, they have a poor track record at the Santiago Bernabeu, losing 11 consecutive trips to this stadium.
Considering Real Madrid's winning streak, we are confident that this will be business as usual for Los Blancos.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Real Madrid are overwhelming favourites
- HOME: 2/9 (1.22) – 81.8%
- DRAW: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
- AWAY: 11/1 (12.00) – 8.3%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Interestingly, these are two of four unbeaten teams in La Liga this season.
While league leaders Real Madrid have a perfect four wins from four, third-placed Espanyol have earned 10 points from a possible 12 in their first hour games.
Ahead of this skirmish, Real Madrid are the expected winners at 2/9 (1.22). Teams with these odds generally have an 81.8% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Real Madrid vs Espanyol predictions.
It is also worth mentioning that both teams were on the scoresheet in four of Espanyol's last five matches. Keeping in mind that three of the last four clashes between these teams produced goals at both ends, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 1/1 (2.00). That one has a 50% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: A one-sided affair
Espanyol have not particularly fared well against Real Madrid, as they suffered eight defeats in the last 10 encounters between these teams and have lost 11 consecutive trips to this stadium.
In fact, Espanyol's last victory at Santiago Bernabeu was in April 1996. They have three draws and 25 defeats in 28 visits since then.
Spain La Liga 01/02/25
Espanyol
Real Madrid
Spain La Liga 21/09/24
Real Madrid
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 11/03/23
Real Madrid
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 28/08/22
Espanyol
Real Madrid
Spain La Liga 30/04/22
Real Madrid
Espanyol
Real Madrid preview: Eyeing their seventh consecutive victory
Real Madrid will enter this contest looking to keep their perfect start to the La Liga season intact. However, Los Blancos will be without the services of Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy and youngster Endrick this weekend due to injuries.
Xabi Alonso will also not be able to rely on Dean Huijsen as the Spanish centre-back serves a one-game suspension. His absence is expected to give way for Raul Asencio to feature alongside Eder Militao at the heart of the defence.
It is not all gloomy for Real Madrid on the injury front, as Eduardo Camavinga and midfield maestro Jude Bellingham are back from injury layoffs. Their arrival will most definitely inject energy and steam into the team's midfield ranks, even as they are set to take part in this contest from the bench.
Predicted lineup: Courtois (GK), Carvajal, Militao, Asencio, Carreras, Valverde, Tchouameni, Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius & Mbappe.
Last five matches
- Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille
- Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid
- Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca
- Real Oviedo 0-3 Real Madrid
- Real Madrid 1-0 Osasuna
Espanyol preview: Eyeing their biggest win in over 15 years
Espanyol defeated Real Madrid in their last meeting, but the Catalan outfit have not come out on top at the Bernabeu since April of 1996, meaning they have a mountain to surmount this weekend. But with form on their side, the visitors will fancy their chances.
On the injury front, Jose Gragera is unavailable due to muscular problems, while Brian Olivan will miss this crucial La Liga encounter because of a calf injury.
Like their hosts, Espanyol will also miss a player due to a red card suspension: Pere Milla, who picked up a first-half red card during the 3-2 victory over Mallorca last weekend.
Predicted lineup: Dmitrovic (GK), El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero, Dolan, Exposito, Gonzalez, Lozano, Puado & Fernandez.
Last five matches
- Espanyol 3-2 Mallorca
- Espanyol 1-0 Osasuna
- Real Sociedad 2-2 Espanyol
- Espanyol 2-1 Atletico Madrid
- Newcastle 2-2 Espanyol
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 earlier this week, thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s brace. The former Paris Saint-Germain forward has scored in his last four appearances for club and country and will look to extend that streak on Saturday afternoon.