The Santiago Bernabéu is set to host a high-stakes La Liga encounter on Saturday as league leaders Real Madrid, enjoying a perfect start under new coach Xabi Alonso, welcome an in-form Espanyol side who are also yet to taste defeat this season.
Real Madrid enter the match as the only team in the top flight with a flawless record, having won all four of their opening league games. This momentum was carried into the Champions League where they secured a hard-fought victory over Marseille in their opening group stage fixture. Speaking on his team’s impressive start, Alonso stated that this is just the beginning and that the squad is still growing and finding a sense of purpose. “We’re on the right track,” he said, “And how we’ll be in three months’ time will be better than what we are now.”
The home side has been forced to show grit and resilience in recent matches, playing with ten men for long periods against both Real Sociedad and Marseille due to red cards. This has led Alonso to emphasize the importance of squad depth and rotation. Fans can expect changes to the lineup, with Vinicius Junior potentially returning to the starting eleven after being benched against Marseille. While key players like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga may make their returns from injury, they are not expected to start. The team will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who suffered a hamstring injury against Marseille, as well as Dean Huijsen, who is suspended after his red card against Real Sociedad.
Espanyol, meanwhile, have been the surprise package of the season, sitting third in the table with 10 points, level with rivals Barcelona. The Catalan team’s impressive start includes victories over Atlético Madrid, Osasuna, and Mallorca, along with a draw against Real Sociedad. Espanyol forward Javi Puado acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match, especially at the Bernabéu, but remained optimistic. “We’re all moving in the same direction,” he said, “the club, the fans, and the players, and it could be a very good season.”
While Espanyol’s form is encouraging, history is not on their side. They have not beaten Real Madrid at the Bernabéu since 1996 and will be without key striker Pere Milla, who is suspended after his red card against Mallorca. This makes the challenge even greater as they face a Madrid side led by the formidable Kylian Mbappe, who has already netted four La Liga goals this season.
With both teams high on confidence, this match will be a true test of their early-season form and could have a significant impact on the top of the La Liga table.
