Real Madrid vs Espanyol: Full Preview, Predictions, and Betting Tips
Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Saturday, September 21, 2024, when they take on Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu. With Barcelona holding a four-point lead at the top of the table, Los Blancos are eager to secure another three points as they continue their pursuit of the La Liga title.
Espanyol, meanwhile, are enjoying their return to Spain’s top flight, having won promotion through the play-offs last season. Despite a rocky start, the team has recently turned things around with consecutive victories, including a thrilling 3-2 win over Alaves. Can Espanyol continue their good form, or will Real Madrid prove too strong in front of their home crowd?
In this article, we’ll preview the match, provide predicted lineups, and offer some betting tips, including JamboBet predictions for this exciting clash.
Real Madrid’s Recent Form: Aiming to Keep Momentum
Real Madrid come into this fixture off the back of a 3-1 win over Stuttgart in the Champions League. The victory didn’t come easy, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men needing goals from Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, and Endrick to secure the win. This performance followed a string of mixed results in La Liga, where Madrid have drawn two of their five matches and now trail Barcelona by four points.
Despite this, Madrid remain unbeaten this season in all competitions. The key focus for Los Blancos will be finding more fluency in attack. While the partnership between Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior has shown promise, there’s a sense that Madrid’s attack hasn’t fully clicked yet.
Madrid will also look to avoid complacency, knowing that Espanyol is a side that has been improving rapidly. They’ll need their best players to shine if they are to continue their winning streak and close the gap on Barcelona.
✅ Our squad for the match!
@RCDEspanyol_EN#RealMadridEspanyol pic.twitter.com/x6OEXw0tmY— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 20, 2024
Key Players for Real Madrid:
- Kylian Mbappe: The French superstar has already made a significant impact since joining Madrid, and his pace and finishing ability make him the key player to watch.
- Vinicius Junior: His flair and ability to create chances will be crucial in unlocking Espanyol’s defense.
- Luka Modric: The experienced midfielder could return to the starting XI, providing control and creativity from deep.
Espanyol’s Recent Form: Riding the Wave of Success
Espanyol’s return to La Liga has been a rollercoaster, but they now seem to be finding their rhythm. After losing their first two matches, they bounced back with a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid and back-to-back wins over Rayo Vallecano and Alaves.
Javi Puado has been in scintillating form for Espanyol, netting a hat-trick in the 3-2 win against Alaves. His contributions will be essential if Espanyol are to cause an upset at the Bernabeu. However, Espanyol’s defense will face its toughest challenge yet against Madrid’s high-powered attack.
Key Players for Espanyol:
- Javi Puado: The forward is full of confidence after his hat-trick last time out and will be the focal point of Espanyol’s attack.
- Alejo Veliz: The Tottenham Hotspur loanee could partner Puado upfront, adding another layer of danger in attack.
- Edu Exposito: A creative midfielder who will need to be at his best to help Espanyol control possession and counter Madrid’s pressing game.
Predicted Lineups for Real Madrid vs Espanyol
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders: Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
Espanyol (3-5-2):
- Goalkeeper: Fernando Pacheco
- Defenders: Sergi Gomez, Leandro Cabrera, Marash Kumbulla
- Midfielders: Javier Puado, Jose Gragera, Sergi Darder, Fernando Calero, Alvaro Tejero
- Forwards: Alejo Veliz, Javi Puado
JamboBet Predictions and Betting Tips
This game presents an interesting challenge for bettors. Real Madrid are the heavy favorites, but Espanyol’s recent form suggests they won’t be easy to break down. Here are our top JamboBet tips for this La Liga clash:
- Who Will Win: Real Madrid are expected to take all three points in this fixture. Playing at home and with a star-studded squad, they should have enough to outclass Espanyol. JamboBet Tip: Real Madrid to win.
- Both Teams to Score (GG): Espanyol have shown they can score, with Javi Puado in great form, while Madrid have been conceding goals in recent matches. JamboBet Tip: Both teams to score (GG).
- Over 2.5 Goals: With Madrid’s potent attack and Espanyol’s recent scoring record, there’s a strong chance we’ll see a few goals in this one. JamboBet Tip: Over 2.5 goals.
- Correct Score Prediction: Given Real Madrid’s solid defense and Espanyol’s ability to score, we predict a comfortable but not overwhelming win for Madrid. JamboBet Tip: Real Madrid 3-1 Espanyol.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs Espanyol: TV and Live Stream Information
Here’s how you can watch the game across various regions:
- United Kingdom: Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV
- United States: ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes
- Canada: TSN+, TSN1
Real Madrid vs Espanyol: Score Prediction
Real Madrid will look to assert their dominance early, but Espanyol’s recent form could see them make life difficult for the home side. That said, Madrid’s quality should shine through, especially with Mbappe and Vinicius continuing to build their partnership. Espanyol’s Javi Puado may find a way past Madrid’s defense, but it likely won’t be enough to stop Los Blancos from picking up all three points.
Score Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Espanyol
Conclusion: Real Madrid to Continue Winning Run
Real Madrid will head into this match full of confidence after their Champions League win and their unbeaten start to the La Liga campaign. With key players in form and a growing understanding between their attacking trio, Madrid should have enough to overcome Espanyol at home.
Espanyol, though much improved, will have to deliver a near-perfect performance to come away with anything from the Bernabeu. With JamboBet predictions suggesting both teams will score and Madrid will win comfortably, all eyes will be on how Madrid handle Espanyol’s threat while ensuring they pick up the crucial points.
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