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Real Madrid and Espanyol meet at the Santiago Bernabéu in a clash that, beyond tradition, is loaded with numbers that invite predictions. Los Blancos have turned this match into one of their most favourable in LaLiga, with 24 wins and three draws in their last 27 home games against the Pericos, including ten consecutive victories - the best-ever run against this rival at home. Moreover, they have scored in each of their last 43 games at home against Espanyol, with an average of 2.7 goals per game. An overwhelming dominance that is unparalleled in all but the most legendary streaks in the competition.
To this historical hegemony must be added the present. Real Madrid have started the season with four wins in four games, something they have only achieved on 14 occasions in their history and which is usually a prelude to titles, lifting the trophy in six of the last nine times they have done so. Mbappé, with four goals in these opening games, has become the great offensive star for a team that leads in direct attacks in the big European leagues, showing their ability to strike quickly and with force.
Espanyol, however, will not give up. Manolo González's side are enjoying their best start to the league in almost three decades, with ten points from a possible twelve and a 19% conversion rate in front of goal, the best record in the two top tiers of Spanish football. Kike García, moreover, knows what it is like to score against Madrid, scoring four goals in 14 matches and wants to extend the feat. Even so, the record weighs heavily, with 108 defeats in 178 league encounters against Los Blancos, the worst record in the history of LaLiga. The logic of the numbers points to a clear script of Madrid as favourites.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol tips
Both teams to score - 19/20 (Bet365)
Five or more saves by Dmitrovic - 5/6 (Bet365)
Eight or more Real Madrid shots on target - 1/1 (Bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publication and subject to change.
Open match at the Bernabeu?
The recent record between Real Madrid and Espanyol suggests goals from both sides. Los Blancos have scored in their last 43 home games against Espanyol, a devastating tally that translates into 115 goals and an average of almost three per game. Moreover, the start to the season for Mbappé and Co. has been scintillating, with the Frenchman scoring four goals in four games and the team leading in direct attacks in the big leagues. Everything points to Madrid scoring again at the Bernabeu.
But Los Pericos also have an offensive threat. They have scored at least two goals in three of their four matches, supported by the effectiveness of Kike García and a 19% success rate in front of goal. Their confidence is high after a start to the campaign not seen since 1995/96, and they already know what it is like to punish Madrid, as they did with a 1-0 win at Cornellà in February. This call sets up a scenario that could be conducive to both teams finding the net.
Tip: Both teams to score - 19/20 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: Real Madrid and Espanyol must score at least one goal each.
Dmitrovic, a wall put to the test
A visit to the Santiago Bernabeu is always an extreme test for any opposing goalkeeper. Real Madrid have averaged 14 shots per game so far this season, generating an attacking flow that forces goalkeepers to work. With Mbappé in top form, Vinícius hungry to make a name for himself and the rearguard of Valverde and Güler looking dangerous, Dmitrovic is likely to have his work cut out in front of goal.
This is supported by recent data. In his last four league games, the Serbian goalkeeper has made 3, 5, 3 and 8 saves. In other words, in half of them he has surpassed the five-save mark, and now he faces the highest-scoring opponent in LaLiga. With Real Madrid's dominance in this fixture historically, Dmitrovic should have plenty of work to do, hinting at another high number of saves.
Tip: Dmitrovic to make five or more saves - 5/6 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: The Espanyol goalkeeper must make at least five saves for the bet to win.
Real's offence holds nothing back
Real Madrid come into this match with an attacking force that will be difficult to contain. In their first four league games, they have averaged more than 14 shots per game, and with an attack consisting of Mbappé, two wingers and the second line of attackers, it is common for several of those attempts to be on target. Moreover, the historical stats for this fixture support this trend. In the last ten meetings at the Bernabeu between the two, Los Blancos have scored 31 goals, evidence of a consistent attacking output.
Espanyol, despite their good start, have conceded a lot of chances in their opponents' half and tend to suffer at demanding venues such as the Bernabeu. Madrid will dominate, and have players used to shooting from different areas on the pitch. If Dmitrovic has to make a number of saves, it will be a direct consequence of the high number of shots on target.
Tip: Real Madrid to have eight or more shots on target - 1/1 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: Real Madrid must get at least eight shots on target.
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Odds, correct at time of publication, are subject to change.