On Saturday, September 20, 2025, it’s Real Madrid vs Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu, for LaLiga match number 5 of the season. Start time is at 4:15 PM local time at will be broadcast on DAZN LaLiga in Spain, ESPN Deportes in the US, ESPN+ streaming.
Madrid have won all 4 of their league games this season so they will look to keep that going.
Dani Carvajal has been included in the Real Madrid squad for the LaLiga game. After a crazy week where Carvajal was sent off in the Champions League with a red card, he will definitely be involved in Madrid’s domestic plans. He should be out for the next Champions League game so Alonso’s team will need his experience as they navigate a depleted defense at home.
Match context
Real Madrid are unbeaten in all competitions since the season has started, but are starting to have a stretched defence. They beat Marseille 2–1 in the Champions League opener this week, a game in which Dani Carvajal was shown a straight red after an incident with Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli.
That red has triggered a UEFA disciplinary review and uncertainty over any European suspension. Carvajal faces up to three match ban, but Real’s LaLiga squad list includes him (and need him) for the Espanyol match.
Meanwhile Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up a hamstring issue in the same game and will be out for several weeks. Dean Huijsen will not be available for Espanyol after a domestic suspension was confirmed. Those absences are Xabi Alonso’s headache.
We are noting the irony. Alonso has spent summer integrating Trent but may need Carvajal’s experience immediately. That competition and the injury timeline are the talking point this week.
Expected lineup — predicted XI (4–2–3–1)
Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé.
Bench: Andriy Lunin, David Alaba, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga.
Why this XI? Alonso is rotating after Europe and the absence of Huijsen and Trent. The back line has veterans (Carvajal, Militão) and young centre-back depth (Asencio). Midfield anchors will be Valverde and Tchouaméni to cover transitions; Mbappé will lead the attack with wide support from Vinícius and an attacking №10. These are the picks from recent previews and confirmed squad lists.
Unavailable players: Endrick, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy and Trent Alexander-Arnold (injuries). Dean Huijsen and Pere Milla (suspension).
Head-to-head
Real Madrid have the upper hand in the history of this fixture, with 23 wins against 3 wins for Espanyol, and Espanyol’s last win at the Bernabéu was decades ago, though they did beat Madrid in February 2025 (1–0) and come into this one in good form after a strong start to the season.
Previews say while Madrid are favourites at home, Espanyol can’t be ruled out.
Prediction
Madrid are clear favourites at home. Take Real Madrid to win 2–0 as the main prediction: Madrid’s depth and attacking power should be too much but defensive disruption (suspensions/injuries) and Espanyol’s form mean it won’t be a landslide.
For a betting tip: Real Madrid to win & under 3.5 goals is a good bet; or Real Madrid to win and both teams to score (BTTS) if you think Espanyol will exploit Madrid’s defensive absentees. These are bookmaker lines and specialist previews.