As the La Liga season heats up, Real Madrid is set to face Espanyol this Saturday at the RCDE Stadium in Catalonia. This matchup comes as Los Blancos aim to maintain their impressive league form and secure their position at the top of the standings.
Current Standings and Context
Real Madrid currently enjoys a four-point lead over their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, who have a match against Mallorca before Madrid’s kickoff. If Atletico secures a victory, the pressure will mount on Carlo Ancelotti’s squad to respond and preserve their lead.
Recent Performance
The team has been in stellar form, winning their last five matches across all competitions, with a remarkable total of 20 goals scored during this stretch. Their latest victory came in the Champions League, where they defeated the French side Brest 3-0.
Espanyol’s Struggles
On the other hand, Espanyol finds itself in a precarious position, sitting 18th in the La Liga standings and occupying one of the relegation spots. The Budgerigars have managed to win only once in their last six league outings, contributing to a disappointing record of just five wins in 21 matches this season.
Recent Encounters
The last time these two teams met was earlier this season, with Real Madrid triumphing 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on September 21, 2024. Historically, Madrid has dominated this rivalry, winning 16 of the last 18 matches, with Espanyol’s last victory dating back to the 2021/22 season. Here’s a quick look at their last five encounters:
- September 21, 2024: Real Madrid 4 – 1 Espanyol
- March 11, 2023: Real Madrid 3 – 1 Espanyol
- August 28, 2022: Espanyol 1 – 3 Real Madrid
- April 30, 2022: Real Madrid 4 – 0 Espanyol
- October 3, 2021: Espanyol 2 – 1 Real Madrid
Team News
For this match, Real Madrid will still be without Eduardo Camavinga and long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao. However, the return of Vinicius Jr., who missed the previous two matches due to suspension, is a significant boost for Ancelotti’s side.
Match Details
Mark your calendars for this exciting encounter:
- Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
- Kick-Off Time: 3:00 PM EST (12:00 PM PST, 9:00 PM local time)
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the match across various platforms:
- United States: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+
- United Kingdom: Premier Sports, La Liga TV, Premier Sports Player
- Canada: TSN TV and TSN+
- Australia: BeIN Sports and BeIN Sports Connect
This clash promises to be a pivotal moment in the La Liga season, as both teams have much to play for. With Real Madrid looking to extend their lead at the top and Espanyol fighting for survival, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
