With the race for the Serie A title heated than ever, Real Madrid will be looking to take advantage of the poor form of Espanyol. With only a goal difference of 1 separating them for arch rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid will be hosting Espanyol at the Santiago Barnabeu stadium. The match scheduled for Saturday 7th, December with kickoff at 15:00 GMT.
Coach Real Madrid is bouncing off a poor start to the La Liga with a resurgence in the squad. Despite the injury woes that struck the Vikigns at the beginning of the season, it seems coach Zidane has found the final seal to the sinking boat.
Real Madrid have not lost any of the past 6 matches in La Liga. The ace Benzema is currently in form while netting 18 goals in all competitions. Los Blancos are in a heated run with league winners Barcelona who are also in form.
Espanyol are currently experiencing their worst season in La Liga. They are currently 2nd last in the table with only 9 points after 15 games. The team has failed to register a win in their last 5 matches. Pablo Machin is under fire over the poor performance despite hisrecent appointment to take over the club back in October.
Real Madrid vs. Espanyol Head to Head
Both sides have met 31 games with Real Madrid taking up 25 wins while Espanyol taking up 3 wins. 3 games have ended in a draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Espanyol 2-4 Madrid
Madrid 1-0 Espanyol
Espanyol 1-0 Madrid
Madrid 2-0 Espanyol
Madrid 2-0 Espanyol
Espanyol 0-2 Madrid
Madrid 6-0 Espanyol
Espanyol 0-6 Madrid
Real Madrid Team News
Eden Hazard who recovered from a bruised ankle during the Champions League clash with PSG is set to feature. In replacement is young star Rodrygo who has really impressed Zidane and gained playing time.
There is still an injury woe at the Los Blancos with left winger Marco Asensio out with a cruciate ligament rapture. Other injury woes include center back Nacho (medial collateral ligament injury), Lucas Vazquez (fractured toe) and James Rodriguez (medial collateral ligament injury).
RCD Espanyol Team News
The side also has an injury woe with a number of top talents out with injury blows. The injury list include Facundo Ferreyra (leg injury), Martias Vargas (sprained ankle), Naldo (muscle injury) and Javi Lopez (muscle injury).
Prediction and Odds
Real Madrid are currently in form and won’t lose points against a struggling relegation team. Espanyol have failed to register a single win in their past five matches.
Real Madrid win
Goals Over 2.5
Most Goals Second Half
Benzema to score