Espanyol vs Real Madrid Prediction, Lineups, Betting Pick, Latest La Liga Odds for Saturday, August 22nd
Espanyol host Real Madrid in this highly anticipated LaLiga clash. Check out the lineups, team news, match facts, and our prediction for Saturday, August 22nd.
OC Staff - August 22, 2026, 12:30 PM EDT
3 Minute ReadEspanyol vs Real Madrid Prediction: Will Real Madrid Take Care of Business in La Liga Opener?
Espanyol are currently flying high in second place after an opening-day victory, while powerhouse Real Madrid find themselves down in eighteenth position as they prepare to kick off their LaLiga campaign. This highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Saturday, 22nd August 2026, at 19:30 UTC, on the hosts' home turf.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Form
The home side started their league campaign brilliantly with a resounding 3-0 home victory over Levante. Over their last six outings, which include pre-season friendlies, the hosts have experienced mixed fortunes, registering a defeat to Coventry, draws against Middlesbrough, Burnley, and Sabadell, alongside a dominant win over Pau.
Conversely, the away side concluded their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 3-0 away win against Schalke. Over their last six matches, the visitors have shown strong form, securing friendly wins against Ferencvaros and Deportivo, a draw with Fiorentina, and a high-scoring victory over Leganes. Crucially, stretching back to the end of last season, Real Madrid have won their last three matches in LaLiga. Furthermore, they have been winning at both half time and full time in those last three league fixtures.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Head to Head
In their most recent encounter in May 2026, the away side secured a 2-0 victory on this very ground. Over the last six meetings, the visitors have completely dominated this fixture, winning five times, with the home side's solitary success being a narrow 1-0 home win in February 2025.
Historically, Real Madrid have won 21 of their last 24 matches against Espanyol in all competitions, proving to be a persistent thorn in their side. Additionally, the powerhouse visitors have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven matches against Espanyol in all competitions.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Odds
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
- Time: 3:30 PM ET
- Where to Watch: ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
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Espanyol vs Real Madrid Probable Lineups
Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; Hinojo, Riedel, Núñez, Hilali; Expósito, Zárate; Dolan, Hernández, Cala; Fernández
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Cucurella, Konaté, Huijsen, Dumfries; Silva, Valverde; Júnior, Güler, Díaz; Mbappé
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Team News
The home side faces notable selection issues ahead of this weekend. Puado is sidelined with a serious knee injury and is not expected to return until November, while García is out until December. Adding to their woes, Cabrera is unavailable due to suspension.
The visitors also have a crowded treatment room, missing four key first-team players. Militão, Rodrygo, Asencio, and Mendy are all ruled out through injury. None of these players are expected back this month, with Rodrygo set for a longer spell on the sidelines until late in the year.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid Match Facts
- Espanyol have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
- Real Madrid have won 21 of their last 24 matches against Espanyol in all competitions.
- Real Madrid have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches in LaLiga.
- Real Madrid have won their last 3 matches in LaLiga.
- Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Espanyol in all competitions.
Prediction: Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid
While the home side will be buoyed by their opening-day triumph, the sheer quality of the visitors makes them strong favourites. Espanyol possess high statistical ratings in counter-attacks and clinical finishing, suggesting they can breach the visitors' backline.
However, Espanyol's defensive suspensions and injuries will likely leave them vulnerable to a lethal Madrid attack spearheaded by Mbappé and Júnior. Real Madrid's historical dominance—winning 21 of the last 24 meetings—further supports an away win, pointing towards a competitive 2-1 victory for the away side.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score = Yes (-112) Click here to get the best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Despite under 2.5 goals being a feature of recent meetings, Espanyol's clinical counter-attacking strength at home, combined with Real Madrid's missing defensive assets like Militão and Mendy, makes goals at both ends highly probable. With both sides missing key defensive figures, backing both teams to find the net represents excellent value.
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