This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Play responsibly, 18+
Espanyol will be hoping to make the most of home advantage and extend their unbeaten run in La Liga to five matches (3W, 1D), although their recent head-to-head record in this fixture suggests they may struggle on Saturday evening; Real Madrid have won six of the last seven meetings between these two sides.
Madrid arrive in Cornellà in good spirits following a positive pre-season, but Mourinho – whose 'second' La Liga debut will add further spice to the occasion – will need to carefully integrate new signings and manage the game time of several of his fatigued World Cup stars.
With Espanyol aiming to cause an upset and Los Blancos desperate to start their season on the front foot, this clash promises plenty of excitement.
Espanyol v Real Madrid – Predictions
Kylian Mbappé 2+ Shots on Target: 8/15 (bet365)
Real Madrid – Over 1.5 Goals: 1/2 (bet365)
Real Madrid to win and 2-4 Match Goals Range: 6/5 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
bet365
One of the UK's leading bookmakers. See the latest welcome offers and sign-up details.
Claim your bet365 bonus | bet365 review | Flashscore's betting hub
18+. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org
Mbappé magic
Kylian Mbappé is undoubtedly Real Madrid's main attacking threat, and the stats suggest he may feature on the scoresheet once again.
After winning the Pichichi twice in a row with 25 and 31 goals respectively, the Frenchman is motivated to claim the award again, having scored just six minutes into Real Madrid's first pre-season contest of the summer.
In the 2025/26 La Liga season, Mbappé averaged 2.06 shots on target per match (64 shots on target across 31 appearances).
He also recorded an average of 2.21 shots on target per progressive 90 minutes and 4.94 attempts per game. The odds for Mbappé to register at least two shots on target look appealing, as we expect Real Madrid to spend plenty of time in their opponent's defensive third.
Espanyol have failed to score before half-time in five of their last six home league matches, so it seems likely that Los Blancos will dominate the match early on.
That should provide an opportunity to create plenty of chances, which can only boost Mbappé's involvement in front of goal.
Prediction: Kylian Mbappé 2+ Shots on Target: 8/15 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Mbappé registers two or more shots on target during the match.
Fast start for Mourinho?
Although the match is taking place at Espanyol's intimidating RCDE Stadium, Real Madrid are clear favourites to win.
Los Blancos have won six of their last seven encounters with Espanyol, and they haven't lost their first league match fixture since the opening weekend of the 2008/09 season, recording 12 wins and 5 draws throughout the intervening period.
Consequently, Mourinho's side will be confident of imposing their attacking superiority from the first whistle.
Meanwhile, Espanyol head into this one after a 3-0 triumph over Levante, but haven't managed to record back-to-back home league wins since December.
However, here's the key stat: Real Madrid have scored two or more goals against Espanyol in 8 of their last 10 meetings. Therefore, a convincing away victory seems an extremely likely outcome.
Prediction: Real Madrid – Over 1.5 Goals: 1/2 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if Real Madrid score two or more goals, regardless of the final result.
Enticing odds
For those looking to place a more ambitious bet with higher odds, merging two markets could be the answer. A bet on Real Madrid to win and there to be between two and four goals in the match is priced as low as 6/5, with bet365 offering this tempting price.
The stats indicate that the 2-4 match goals range is likely to materialise. There have been exactly two or three goals in each of Espanyol's most recent six league matches, while Real Madrid kept a clean sheet in eight of their away LaLiga outings last term. Therefore, a scoreline of 2-0, 3-0, or 2-1 to Real Madrid seems a distinct possibility.
It's also worth noting that these two teams haven't drawn with one another since May 2013.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win and 2-4 Match Goals Range: 6/5 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Real Madrid win, but only if the match produces between two, three, or four goals.
Espanyol v Real Madrid – Match Result Odds
Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Betting on Flashscore - to use to all other betting content
Whatever football match you're following, Flashscore brings you the latest betting predictions, odds and offers from UK bookmakers all in one place.
Predictions and odds | Betting offers and bonuses | Best football betting sites | Betting Guides | Where to watch football