Real Madrid vs Espanyol: Will Los Blancos Be Dethroned?!
Real Madrid are gearing up to face Espanyol, who are determined to inflict the first defeat of the 2025-26 season on the La Liga leaders. Xabi Alonso's debut campaign has been a roaring success, with Real Madrid securing victories against Osasuna, Real Oviedo, Mallorca and Real Sociedad. This impressive run leaves them as the only team with a perfect 12 points from 12.
However, Espanyol are hot on their heels. The Catalan side are also unbeaten, boasting impressive wins against Atlético Madrid and Mallorca, placing them third in the league. Manolo González’s team is aiming to maintain their excellent form against the reigning champions.
The match is set to take place at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Espanyol haven't tasted victory since 1996. Real Madrid will be without Dean Huijsen due to suspension, but the expected return of Vinicius Jr. to the starting lineup after being benched against Olympique Marseille provides a significant boost.
Key Match Details
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 20
- Kick-off Time: 10:15 a.m. ET
- Referee: Juan Martinez
Recent Form
- Real Madrid: WWWWW (last 5 matches)
- Espanyol: WWDDW (last 5 matches)
Xabi Alonso's Perspective on Vinicius Jr.
When questioned about Vinicius Jr., Xabi Alonso commented, "He looks good. Seeing him from the outside is very different... yesterday he had a bigger smile on his face and was more positive. I talked to him... We finished the session with a good feeling."
Where to Watch
Fans in South Africa can catch the action on various streaming platforms and sports channels. Check your local listings for details.