Mourinho begins a new chapter in Madrid: prediction for Espanyol vs Real Madrid
The second round clash of the Spanish championship between Espanyol and Real Madrid will take place on August 22, 2026, at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà de Llobregat. For the hosts, this will be their second match of the season after a commanding 3-0 victory over Levante, while Real Madrid will play their first official game since the return of José Mourinho.
- Read also: Squad losses for the hosts versus the visitors' poor away record: prediction for Parma vs Cagliari
Espanyol: a powerful start after a worrying preseason
The end of last season and summer friendlies didn’t give much reason for optimism, yet Espanyol’s La Liga campaign kicked off in almost perfect fashion. Espanyol thrashed Levante 3-0, not allowing a single shot on target, and delivered their best league start in 41 years.
However, personnel problems haven’t disappeared. Javi Puado and Kike García are injured, Leandro Cabrera is suspended, but Roberto Fernández has already shown he can lead the line - netting a brace on opening day.
Real Madrid: Mourinho’s return begins with a tricky away test
José Mourinho is back at Real Madrid after 13 years and has inherited a significantly revamped squad. Preseason went smoothly: five wins in six matches and only one draw - a 2-2 result against Fiorentina.
Yet, the Madrid side won’t be at full strength just yet. Jude Bellingham and Marc Cucurella are still building up fitness, Aurélien Tchouaméni has only recently recovered, while Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Thiago Pitarch, and Raúl Asensio remain sidelined through injury. Nevertheless, the squad’s morale is high, and Mourinho has already ramped up the pressing intensity during preparations.
Probable line-ups
- Espanyol: Dmitrović, Inojo, Núñez, Riedl, El-Hilali, Expósito, González, Dolan, Hernández, Calatrava, Fernández.
- Real Madrid: Courtois, Dumfries, Konaté, Heisen, Carreras, Valverde, Silva, Díaz, Güler, Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Espanyol opened the season with a 3-0 win over Levante.
- In their last seven home games against Real Madrid, the Catalans have claimed three wins and suffered four defeats.
- Real Madrid have won the second half in five of the last six head-to-head encounters.
The visitors' class should be decisive: Espanyol vs Real Madrid prediction
Espanyol have already hit their stride and at home can make life difficult for the favorites with a compact low block and disciplined defense. However, their attacking options are limited by injuries.
Real Madrid may not be at full strength yet, but the Mourinho effect and the overall quality of the squad give the visitors a clear edge. Expect a tight contest, but Madrid should be able to break through in the end.
