LONDON:
Real Madrid have enjoyed a flawless start under new head coach Xabi Alonso and will look to maintain that momentum on Saturday when they host an in-form Espanyol in La Liga.
The Catalan side, unbeaten in their opening four games, have not beaten Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu since 1996. Yet, their strong form makes them one of the surprise early contenders this season.
Los Blancos remain the only La Liga team to win all four opening matches and added to their confidence with a midweek Champions League victory over Marseille. Alonso, however, insists his squad is still evolving.
“We’re growing, and the players are getting a sense of purpose,” said Alonso. “We’re on the right track, and in three months we’ll be even better than we are now.”
Madrid have already shown resilience this season, grinding out wins despite red cards in back-to-back matches against Real Sociedad and Marseille.
Alonso is expected to rotate his squad against Espanyol, with Vinícius Júnior in line for a return after being benched midweek. Kylian Mbappé, who has already netted four La Liga goals this campaign and reached 50 goals for the club, is likely to keep his spot.
The hosts will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring injury), though Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga could feature after recent absences.
Espanyol, led by coach Manolo González, sit third in the table after wins over Atletico Madrid, Osasuna, and Mallorca, plus a draw with Real Sociedad. Forward Javi Puado says belief is growing at the club.
“Madrid are very difficult to face, especially at their stadium, but we showed last season we can beat them,” Puado said. “We’re all moving in the same direction, and it could be a very good season for us.”
Elsewhere, Barcelona, currently second, will aim to keep pace with Madrid when they host Getafe on Sunday at their temporary Johan Cruyff Stadium while awaiting the reopening of Camp Nou.
Player to Watch: Rafa Mir – The Elche striker has three goals already and will look to extend his form against Oviedo this weekend.
Key Stats:
- 0 – Barcelona have never lost at home to Getafe in 23 matches.
- 63 – Alavés lead La Liga for most fouls committed.
- 345 – Barça’s Pedri González tops the league for completed passes.
La Liga Fixtures (GMT):
- Friday: Real Betis vs Real Sociedad (19:00)
- Saturday: Girona vs Levante (12:00), Real Madrid vs Espanyol (14:15), Villarreal vs Osasuna & Alavés vs Sevilla (16:30), Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao (19:00)
- Sunday: Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo (12:00), Mallorca vs Atletico Madrid (14:15), Elche vs Oviedo (16:30), Barcelona vs Getafe (19:00)
