Real Madrid host Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in a La Liga showdown between two unbeaten teams. Los Blancos, under Xabi Alonso, have won all four of their league matches and opened their Champions League campaign with a controversial 2-1 victory over Marseille. Espanyol, meanwhile, arrive with three wins and a draw, looking for their first win at the Bernabeu since 1996.
History favors Madrid, who have taken four of the last five league meetings, including a 4-1 win in this fixture last season. Espanyol’s only success in that run was a narrow 1-0 home victory last term. Real Madrid are strong favourites to win this encounter.
Kylian Mbappé is in superb form, netting six goals in five appearances this season. He also notched his 50th goal for Madrid recently, underlining his importance in a recent interview, as reported by Softfootball Kylian Mbappe revealed his desire to continue adding to his tally in a recent interview. For Espanyol, defender Carlos Romero has been a surprise attacking threat, contributing in consecutive games.
Preparation for the game continues for Real Madrid, and the team’s admin uploaded a video via Madrid’s official X handle of the team’s training.
Watch the video below:
Team News
Real Madrid will miss Trent Alexander-Arnold, who picked up an injury in midweek, though Jude Bellingham is close to returning. Espanyol’s Javi Hernández remains a doubt after missing their last outing with a foot problem.
Possible Lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Asencio, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe
Espanyol (4-4-2): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Dolan, Lozano, Gonzalez de Zarate, Puado; K Garcia, Fernandez
Softfootball’s Prediction
Madrid’s form, firepower, and home record make them overwhelming favorites. Espanyol’s solid start deserves respect, but their poor away record and long winless run at the Bernabeu are telling. Expect Mbappé to be decisive again.
Scoreline Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Espanyol
