La Liga 2025-2026: Real Madrid-Espanyol, the probable formations

For the fifth day of La Liga, the calendar offers a fascinating crossroads: Real Madrid hosts Espanyol. The Blancos, still with full points, want to continue their unstoppable run to the top, but facing them will be one of the revelations of this start of the season. The Catalans, in fact, have already put together 10 points out of the 12 available, imposing themselves even against opponents of such caliber as Atlético Madrid.

Xabi Alonso’s team comes to the match after a home win in the Champions League against Marseille. A valuable but not entirely convincing success in terms of play, which came thanks to a double from the eleven meters by Kylian Mbappé, already with 6 goals in his first 5 official matches. Mastantuono’s positive showing should be noted, as he aims to carve out another starting jersey.

Espanyol, on the other hand, is experiencing a moment of enthusiasm. The only misstep so far was a draw on the hostile field of Real Sociedad, a testament to the solidity of the group led by Manolo González. The White and Blue team will face the Bernabéu with the lightness of those who have nothing to lose, but with the knowledge that they can put anyone in trouble.

For Real, it will be crucial not to underestimate the positive wave that accompanies their opponents.

The likely lineups

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Asencio, Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouaméni, Valverde; Vinícius, Mbappé, Brahim Díaz. Coach: Xabi Alonso.

Espanyol (4-3-3): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Lozano, González de Zárate, Expósito; Puado, Roberto Fernández, Dolan. Coach: Manolo González.