Espanyol is hosting Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium in round 8 of the Spanish LaLiga. Espanyol has only 1 win so far this season, and they have been barely scoring goals so far. Real Madrid surprisingly lost in the Champions League earlier this week, and they will look to bounce back here.
Espanyol is struggling in the attacking end, and they have scored only 4 goals so far this season, but their defense has been decent with 7 conceded goals in 7 games. In their last game against Sevilla on the road, Espanyol has had 46% of ball possession, 2 shots on goal, 8 corner kicks, and 84% of the correct passes. Espanyol conceded early, in the 13th minute, and even after Sevilla conceded a red card in the 65th minute, Espanyol couldn’t do much. Espanyol ended up losing this game 2-0. De Tomas is the leading goalscorer for Espanyol with 2 goals. The injury list is clearing for Espanyol, and that will certainly help them in their efforts to stay in LaLiga. As I’ve mentioned, their defense is solid, they are not conceding many goals, but their offense has to improve, at least a little bit if they don’t want to have a stressful season.
Real Madrid was hosting Sheriff Tiraspol in the Champions League earlier this week, and they lost!!! Real Madrid was very dominant in this game with 76% of ball possession, 11 shots on goal, 13 corner kicks, 3 big chances created, 89% of the correct passes, and 31 shots overall. Real actually conceded first in this game, but they were able to tie the score in the second half from the penalty spot. Unfortunately for Real, the Sheriff has scored another goal in the 89th minute, and they have shockingly lost this game 1-2 against a total outsider. As far as LaLiga goes, Real Madrid is at the top with 17 points, 21 scored goals, and 8 conceded goals, and they are still undefeated this season. Benzema has 8 goals and 7 assists for Real Madrid so far this season, and he has been in fantastic form. Ceballos, Mendy, Bale, and Carvajal are all injured, and they will miss this game. Real has been impeccable in LaLiga, they have been scoring for fun, and Benzema has a lot of help, but that loss to Sheriff has really killed their mood ahead of this game.
Espanyol hasn’t won any of their last 4 games against Real Madrid, and I don’t think they will win here. Real must bounce back, and they will do it with style. I’m taking Real Madrid on the road in this one.