Espanyol and Real Madrid face each other in a key duel for the fight for permanence and the title

By Terrance Silva

Real Madrid seeks to stop the fall against an Espanyol in crisis

Real Madrid prepares to face RCD Espanyol this Sunday at the RCDE Stadium, in a crucial match for both teams. The meringues, under the direction of Álvaro Arbeloa, will try to prevent FC Barcelona from celebrating the league title, while Espanyol desperately seeks a victory that will ensure its permanence in the top category of Spanish football.

Since the victory in the derby against Atlético de Madrid on March 22, Real Madrid has entered a negative streak that has put its aspirations in the league in check. With just one win in the last six games, the team has seen its chances of catching the leader fade. The defeat against Mallorca (2-1) and the draws against Girona and Real Betis (1-1) have left the team 11 points behind Barcelona, ​​which will play a day earlier at El Sadar.

The situation becomes even more complicated for Madrid, who not only must win in Cornellà-El Prat, but also need Barcelona to not add three. If the Culers win and the Whites do not achieve victory, next week's Clásico could become a mere formality, with the corridor that the Madridistas would have to make for their rivals at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Before the match, Arbeloa seemed focused on the match and avoided talking about his future at the club, which has been the subject of speculation. “I'm worried about tomorrow's game, it's the only thing I'm focused on,” said the coach at a press conference.

The physical situation of the team is also worrying. To the already extensive list of injuries that includes Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo Goes, Éder Militao and Arda Güler, is added the loss of Dani Carvajal, who will be out of action for at least two weeks due to a fissure in his right foot. Given this situation, Arbeloa will have to make adjustments to his lineup, with Gonzalo as a possible replacement for Mbappé and Brahim Díaz taking Güler's place.

Espanyol seeks to break the bad streak

For its part, Espanyol comes into the match with a streak of 16 games without winning, which has generated growing concern among its fans. With ten defeats and six draws, the team has gone from being in the fight for Europe to seeing its permanence in the league in jeopardy. Currently, Espanyol has 39 points, five above the relegation zone, and a victory could be key to ensuring its continuity in the top category.

Coach Manolo González, also under pressure, will not be able to count on Javi Puado, who is recovering from a long-term injury. In addition, Pol Lozano will be absent due to an accumulation of cards, after being sent off in the last match against Levante, which ended in a goalless draw.

Espanyol will seek to repeat last season's feat, when they managed to beat Real Madrid at home with a goal from Carlos Romero. The need to score points is pressing, and the team clings to the hope that a victory against the meringues can change the course of their season.

The lineups for the match are already practically defined. Espanyol could feature Dmitrovic in goal, with a defense made up of El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera and Romero. In midfield, Edu Expósito, Terrats and Urko González will be in charge of creation, while Dolan, Pere Milla and Kike García will seek to concretize opportunities in attack.

On the Real Madrid side, Lunin will be in charge of protecting the goal, with a defense that will include Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen and Carreras. In the midfield, Brahim, Valverde, Tchouaméni and Bellingham will try to generate play, while Gonzalo and Vinícius will be in charge of finishing the plays.

The match will be played at 9:00 p.m. and will be refereed by Gil Manzano. Expectations are high, both for Madrid fans, who hope for a resurgence of the team, and for Espanyol fans, who long to break the losing streak and secure their place in the league.

Espanyol has not won in 2026.