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Espanyol have landed themselves in trouble and very few saw it coming. The 'pericos' ended the first half of the season in fifth place, a position that could even secure a Champions League spot.
They picked up 34 points from a possible 57 and were five ahead of Betis, who sat sixth. But in the second half of the campaign, Manolo González’s side have collapsed.
Since beating Athletic in their final match of 2025, on matchday 17, Espanyol have collected just six points, with six draws, 10 defeats and not a single win in 16 games.
The reality now is a far cry from December. With 39 points, they are just five clear of the relegation zone, which they are edging closer to week by week.
As for Real Madrid, their season ended in Munich. Their Champions League quarter-final exit meant any realistic chance of silverware was over. It’s been a poor year for a team that changed managers, but neither Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa have managed to get them firing.
Los Blancos want to finish the campaign with their heads held high after winning just one of their last four matches.
Real beat Alavés, drew with Girona and Betis, and lost to Mallorca. That leaves them on 74 points, 11 behind a Barcelona side who could be crowned champions this very weekend. Whether that happens or not, there will be plenty of intrigue for the 'Clásico', which could see a guard of honour or a title celebration.
Espanyol v Real Madrid Tips
Real Madrid to win - 8/11 @ bet365
Vinicius to score or assist at any time - 8/11 @ bet365
Fede Valverde to have one or more shots on target - 5/6 @ bet365
Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
Espanyol in free fall
It’s no surprise to see Real Madrid as favourites in a LaLiga EA Sports match. It’s perhaps less common when they have nothing at stake, but it still makes sense - especially when, as is the case here, they face an Espanyol side in such poor form.
The 'pericos' do have a huge objective to fight for, but that advantage is undermined by the stats we’ve already mentioned from their 2026 campaign. For that reason, and despite the home side’s need for points, we’re backing a Real Madrid win in Cornellà.
It’s true that Madrid lost on their last visit to Espanyol 1-0 on matchday 22 of last season. But it’s also true that, in the last 30 meetings between these sides, the 'pericos' have only won three times. Those victories also came at home, in 2018 and 2021.
The rest: two draws (2012 and 2013) and 25 Real Madrid wins. What’s more, over the past 12 years, the Santiago Bernabéu outfit have taken all three points in 20 of the 23 games played.
Tip: Real Madrid to win - 8/11 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: If Real Madrid pick up all three points at Espanyol’s stadium, you win this bet.
Vinicius on the rise
Vinicius is back to his best on the pitch. And now, with Kylian Mbappé sidelined, he needs to step up even more. The Brazilian is the main attacking threat for Los Blancos in this match, where he’ll be expected to make the difference and finish the season on a high after some inconsistent spells.
With the World Cup on the horizon, he’ll want to sign off in style before joining up with the Brazil squad. And the truth is, he’s been showing his quality on the pitch lately.
In his last three matches, he’s either scored or provided an assist, which is why we’re backing him to continue his good run in Barcelona. After failing to contribute against Mallorca, Bayern Munich (first leg) and Girona, Vini assisted a goal in Munich and hit the woodwork, then found the net against Alavés and Betis.
This season, he’s already notched up 19 goals and 11 assists, although he’s still short of his scoring tallies from the past four campaigns (22, 23, 24 and 22).
Tip: Vinicius to score or assist at any time - 8/11 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: your bet wins if Vinicius scores or provides at least one assist against Espanyol.
Valverde getting forward
Fede Valverde has been one of the few bright spots at the Santiago Bernabéu this season. The Uruguayan had his standout moment in the Champions League last 16 against Manchester City, netting a historic hat-trick that helped his side progress.
His fitness and commitment have never been in doubt, but now he’s added an attacking threat that he’s shown glimpses of before. The midfielder goes into the Espanyol game with impressive stats for shots on target, so we’re tipping him to test the keeper again in this match.
In his last four competitive games for Real Madrid, the number 8 has managed at least one shot on target each time. He scored against Girona, had one shot on target against Bayern Munich and Alavés, and managed two in the last match against Betis. Over his last 10 games for Real Madrid, he’s only failed to hit the target twice - away to Manchester City and at home to Bayern.
In recent months, he’s been even more adventurous, with five shots on target against Getafe and three each against Valencia, Atlético de Madrid and City in the first leg.
Tip: Fede Valverde to have one or more shots on target - 5/6 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: to win this selection, Fede Valverde must have at least one shot on target against Espanyol.
Odds for Espanyol v Real Madrid
Espanyol to win - 7/2 @ bet365
Real Madrid to win - 8/11 @ bet365
Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
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Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.