Espanyol vs Real Madrid: Confirmed Lineups for LaLiga Matchday 22
A Clash of Contrasting Fortunes
Real Madrid, having secured 25 out of the last 30 possible league points, faces an Espanyol side that has only managed to win 3 of their last 30 encounters against the Spanish giants.
Espanyol, who have lost just one of their last six LaLiga matches (though only winning one), host a Real Madrid team that sits at the top of the table with four consecutive victories. While the match leans heavily in favor of the visitors, Espanyol arrives with renewed confidence after a draw against Sevilla and a determination to secure points to climb out of the relegation zone.
Historical Dominance of Real Madrid
Espanyol's Struggles Against the Merengues
Espanyol has only managed to defeat Real Madrid in 3 of their last 34 meetings. Since the inauguration of their Cornella-El Prat stadium in 2009, Espanyol has hosted Real Madrid 14 times, winning just twice, drawing once, and losing the remaining 11 matches. During these encounters, Espanyol has conceded 32 goals while scoring only 8.
Real Madrid's Favorable Form
Carlo Ancelotti's squad has dominated Espanyol, winning 10 of their last 11 matches. This Saturday, Real Madrid will welcome back Vinícius Jr., who missed the last two league games due to suspension. Additionally, Kylian Mbappé, in stellar form with 8 goals in his last 6 matches and 22 goals overall this season, will be looking to make an impact. Mbappé arrives at Cornella-El Prat fresh off his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in their recent match against Valladolid.
Key Absences and Team News
Real Madrid's Injury Concerns
Real Madrid will be without Camavinga, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, joining long-term absentees Carvajal and Militao. Despite these setbacks, the team remains strong and focused on maintaining their lead at the top of the table.
Espanyol's Missing Players
Espanyol, who have earned 10 points in their last 10 league matches, will miss Gragera and new signing Pablo Ramón due to injuries. Ramón, who recently joined from Real Madrid, will be unavailable for this crucial fixture.
Confirmed Lineups
RCD Espanyol
Joan García, Omar El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Pol Lozano, Urko, Král, Jofre, Puado, and Roberto Fernández.
Real Madrid CF
Courtois, Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Fran García, Valverde, Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé.
Match Details
Referee: Iglesias Villanueva
Stadium: RCDE Stadium
Time: 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT / 14:00 MX
Implications for the League
Atlético Madrid, facing Mallorca earlier in the day, and Barcelona, seven points behind Real Madrid before the start of the matchday, will be closely watching this encounter. Barcelona will host Alavés on Sunday, hoping to close the gap on the league leaders.
Conclusion
Real Madrid enters this match as the clear favorite, but Espanyol will fight to defy the odds and secure a vital result. With key players returning and in top form, Real Madrid aims to extend their winning streak, while Espanyol seeks to climb out of the relegation zone. This clash promises to be an exciting chapter in LaLiga's 22nd matchday.
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