Real Madrid (2nd place, 74 points) enter this match in extremely uncharacteristic form – just one win in their last six games and a nine-game losing streak. Add to this the fact that they're out with injuries: Mbappé, Rodrygo, Güler, and Militao are all out, while Courtois has only just returned to the main group. It would seem like the perfect time for the hosts, but Espanyol (13th place) is in a deep crisis – they haven't won in 16 matches in a row since last December. The team lost their leader, Puado, and has only managed two goalless draws in recent matches.
Despite their underdog status and the giants' struggles, we expect a high-scoring campaign. Madrid's away games are consistently high-scoring – they've scored in 19 consecutive away games and conceded in six. Espanyol, despite their terrible form, are currently fighting for survival and can't afford to retreat into a shell at home.
Real Madrid's defense is leaky, and with a weakened squad, Vinicius and Bellingham will have more freedom to score. Without Mbappé, Los Blancos' play is becoming less predictable but more chaotic, increasing the chances of goal-scoring. Having gone 16 games without a win, the team is unlikely to maintain a clean sheet.
