Real Madrid vs Espanyol predictions and betting tips – Blancos out to maintain 100 percent record

Real Madrid's perfect La Liga start meets an in-form Espanyol — punters should consider a Madrid win but expect goals at both ends. Madrid remain favourites, yet Espanyol’s scoring form makes “Both Teams to Score” and a Madrid HT/FT a sensible combined play for bettors seeking value.

Real Madrid aim to extend perfect La Liga start against resilient Espanyol

Real Madrid arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu unbeaten in La Liga after four straight wins, but Xabi Alonso’s side were tested midweek and showed vulnerabilities that Espanyol could exploit. Espanyol’s bright start to the season means this weekend’s fixture looks far from a routine home win.

Midweek test exposed defensive concerns

Madrid ground out a 2-1 victory in Europe after a nervy performance that underlined defensive fragility. A red card to a full-back late in the game and missed opportunities forced Alonso’s team to rely on penalties and character rather than fluent dominance. The underlying numbers suggested Madrid created plenty but also left space at the back — a warning sign against a lively Espanyol attack.

Espanyol’s early-season surge

Espanyol have punched above expectations, taking points off major rivals and netting regularly. Their three home wins and an away draw show a side confident in attack; however, their best form has come on home soil, making the Bernabéu trip their sternest test so far. Still, Espanyol’s scoring record this term suggests they can trouble Madrid and make this a competitive affair.

Key battles and tactical angles

The duel between Madrid’s forward line and Espanyol’s defence will decide the game. Mbappé’s set-piece composure and penalty threat remain crucial for Madrid, while Vinicius — likely to be restored to the starting XI after a tactical omission — offers explosive, direct running that can unsettle defenders. Espanyol will try to capitalise on transitional moments and Madrid’s occasional positional gaps.

Betting implications and market tips

Madrid start as favourites, so a straight win for the hosts is the obvious option for conservative punters. Given Madrid’s recent defensive lapses and Espanyol’s scoring form, the “Both Teams to Score” market looks appealing. For more aggressive plays, consider a Madrid half-time/full-time double (Madrid/Madrid) combined with an anytime goalscorer bet on Vinicius, who will be motivated to respond after being left out midweek.

Predicted lineups

Real Madrid expected XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, (centre-back), (left-back); Valverde, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Güler, Vinicius; Mbappé. Espanyol expected XI: Dmitrović; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Dolan, Lozano, González de Zárate, Puado; K. García, Fernández.

Match details

Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain. Kick-off: Saturday 20 September, 15:15 local time.

Bottom line

Real Madrid should still be favourites to take all three points, but Espanyol’s attacking threat and Madrid’s intermittent defensive issues make a high-probability outcome one that includes goals at both ends. Punters seeking value should weigh a Madrid win with a goalscorer selection and consider backing Both Teams to Score.

Real Madrid have enjoyed a perfect start to the La Liga season, winning each of their first four games to rise to the summit of the standings. Not far

Talksport