Real Madrid Aims to Extend Winning Streak Against Espanyol

The Santiago Bernabéu is set to witness another chapter of LaLiga drama as Real Madrid prepares to take on RCD Espanyol on September 20, 2025. The leaders of the league, guided by the visionary Xabi Alonso, are ready to defend their flawless record, while the resurgent Catalan side chases a long-awaited triumph in Madrid. The stakes could not be higher: Real Madrid, four games into the campaign, have yet to drop a single point. Their start under new manager Xabi Alonso has been nothing short of spectacular, collecting wins against Osasuna, Real Oviedo, Mallorca, and Real Sociedad. The Bernabéu faithful are brimming with hope, their chants echoing through the city, hungry for another victory and a step closer to glory. But Espanyol, currently sitting third, are refusing to be mere spectators. Manolo González’s squad have stunned critics with a string of impressive results, including victories over Atlético Madrid and Mallorca, setting up a tantalizing clash between the league’s early pacesetters. History, however, weighs heavy on Espanyol’s shoulders. The last time the Catalans left the Bernabéu with three points was in 1996—a 29-year drought that looms over their ambitions. In their most recent encounter, though, Espanyol seized a 1–0 win on February 1, 2025, a reminder that upsets are always lurking in the shadows of Spanish football. Yet, the hosts are bolstered by a formidable home record and a squad brimming with stars, even as injuries test their depth. Real Madrid enters the fixture without several key defenders: Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are sidelined, while Dean Huijsen serves a suspension. This defensive reshuffle could offer a glimmer of hope for Espanyol, especially given the absence of Huijsen, but the firepower up front remains dazzling. Kylian Mbappé, the competition’s top scorer, is in red-hot form, supported by talents like Vinícius Júnior and midfield maestro Federico Valverde. Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are back in contention, but are unlikely to start after recovering from injuries. Espanyol, meanwhile, must cope without the suspended Pere Milla—whose early season scoring spree has been crucial—while José Gragera and Brian Oliván remain unavailable due to injury. The burden of attack falls on Kike García and Roberto Fernández as González searches for a way to break the Bernabéu curse. Looking at the numbers, Real Madrid holds a commanding head-to-head record with 23 wins to Espanyol’s 3, and only two draws in recent times. They have scored 10 goals in their last five matches and are riding a six-match winning streak. But as any football romantic knows, statistics can be shattered in the blink of an eye when passion meets opportunity. Kick-off is set for 14:15 UTC (3:15 p.m. BST / 10:15 a.m. ET), with fans able to follow every moment live on ESPN+ and enjoy real-time stats and updates on FotMob. The world will be watching as the Bernabéu lights up for a clash that promises drama, intensity, and perhaps, a new hero in white or blue. Will Real Madrid continue their relentless march atop LaLiga, or will Espanyol finally end their decades-long wait for glory in Madrid? The stage is set, the drama inevitable, and the atmosphere electric. This is more than a match—this is LaLiga at its most thrilling.