Home SPORTS LaLiga: Real Madrid Aims to Extend Winning Streak Against Espanyol

LaLiga: Real Madrid Aims to Extend Winning Streak Against Espanyol

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Julian Mbappe
Real Madrid hosts Espanyol in high-stakes La Liga match



Real Madrid have made a perfect start to life under new coach Xabi Alonso and are aiming to extend that run on Saturday in La Liga when they host an Espanyol side who have also begun the season in impressive form


“We're all moving in the same direction, the club, the fans, and the players, and it could be a very good season...”


Real Madrid is set to face off against impressive Espanyol in a thrilling La Liga clash, with both teams looking sharp at the start of the season. Under new coach Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid has made a flawless start, and they're eager to keep the momentum going. Meanwhile, Espanyol has also begun the season on a high note, boasting an unbeaten record in the Spanish top flight.


The Catalan side, however, has struggled to find form against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, with their last win dating back to 1996. This historical trend might give Real Madrid the psychological edge they need to secure a victory. The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes against each other.




Real Madrid has made a flawless start to the season, winning all four of their opening La Liga games before securing a victory over Marseille in their Champions League opener on Tuesday. This impressive run has showcased the team's growing momentum under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso.


“We're growing, and the players are getting a sense of purpose,” Xabi Alonso said, highlighting the team's ongoing development. Despite the strong start, Alonso emphasized that his team is still finding its footing, indicating that there's more to come from Los Blancos this season.




Alonso's comments reflect his confidence in the team's potential, and the players seem to be aligning with his vision. With high-profile signings and a renewed sense of purpose, Real Madrid is poised to make a significant impact in both La Liga and the Champions League.


Real Madrid's coach Xabi Alonso expressed confidence in his team's progress, saying, “We're on the right track. And how we'll be in three months' time will be better than what we are now.” This optimism follows Madrid's gritty win over Marseille, where they fought back after Dani Carvajal's red card for a headbutt.


The team has shown resilience in adversity, having also played with ten men against Real Sociedad after Dean Huijsen's red card. Alonso's focus on team development and growth is evident in his approach, and he emphasized the importance of keeping all players involved.


With this in mind, Real Madrid fans can expect lineup rotations in the upcoming match against Espanyol. Alonso's commitment to giving opportunities to all players suggests that some familiar starters might be rested or given limited minutes.


Xabi Alonso made a tactical decision to bench Vinicius Junior against Marseille, opting to start Rodrygo instead. Alonso explained that his reasoning wasn't based on merit but rather on giving playing time to different players. “We're at a demanding point in the calendar and we need everyone,” Alonso said, emphasizing the importance of squad rotation.


The Real Madrid coach added, “Everyone will get their moment, and the important thing is that everyone feels prepared and important, because they are, and they will be throughout the season.” This approach highlights Alonso's focus on maintaining squad harmony and ensuring all players are fresh and ready for the challenges ahead.


Kylian Mbappe is likely to keep his place in the starting lineup, having scored four La Liga goals and netting two penalties against Marseille. This brings his tally to 50 goals for the club since joining in 2024. Alonso acknowledges Mbappe's importance but notes that the French superstar will have to accept being rested at times due to the congested fixture schedule.


Real Madrid will face a challenge without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. However, the team might welcome back Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, who were named as substitutes in the match against Marseille but didn't see action. Both players could potentially start or come off the bench against Espanyol.


Espanyol, under the guidance of Manolo González, has had a solid start to the season, making them a formidable opponent. The Catalan side has shown promise, and their matchup against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu is expected to be intense. Real Madrid's recent form has been impressive, with six consecutive wins, but they'll need to stay focused to overcome Espanyol's determination.


Bookmakers predict a high chance of Real Madrid winning, with some giving them an 80% chance of success. However, Espanyol's recent performance suggests they might pose a significant threat to Real Madrid's unbeaten run.


Espanyol is sitting pretty in third place, tied with Barcelona on 10 points, just two behind league leaders Real Madrid. The Pericos have had an impressive start to the season, notching wins over Atletico Madrid, Osasuna, and Mallorca, along with a draw against Real Sociedad.


“MADRID ARE A very difficult team, especially at their stadium, but last season we beat them in our stadium,” Espanyol forward Javi Puado said, highlighting the challenge ahead. Despite the daunting task, Puado's comments suggest Espanyol is confident in their abilities, having previously come out on top against Real Madrid at their home ground.


“We're all moving in the same direction, the club, the fans, and the players, and it could be a very good season.


“We're not getting carried away, because it's only been four matches, but if we've managed to do well (so far), it means we can continue doing well.”


Barcelona, currently second in the league standings, will look to maintain the pressure on leaders Real Madrid when they host Getafe at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium on Sunday night. The Catalans are waiting for the necessary permits to reopen their iconic Camp Nou home, which is currently undergoing renovation expected to be completed in 2026. Barcelona has confirmed that their match against Getafe will take place at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, where they recently thrashed Valencia 6-0. The team is working intensively to obtain the administrative permits required for the opening of the Spotify Camp Nou, with a possible return to the stadium on September 28 against Real Sociedad.



Player to Watch: Rafa Mir

Elche's target man Rafa Mir has been in excellent form since the start of the season, scoring three goals and playing a key role in the team's promotion to the top division. With Oviedo visiting this weekend, Mir and Elche have a good opportunity to build on their strong start to the campaign and continue their impressive run.


Key Stats

  • Barcelona's Unbeaten Run: Barcelona have never lost to Getafe at home in 23 meetings.
  • Alaves' Discipline Issues: Alaves have committed the most fouls in the league.
  • Pedri's Passing Prowess: Barcelona's Pedri Gonzalez leads the league in completed passes with 345.




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