Espanyol vs Real Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2022-08-27 20:00.
Espanyol’s 2-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano made it nine La Liga (LL) matches since their last victory (D4, L5) and they now must be wondering when their luck will turn, especially after hitting the woodwork twice late on in that latest setback. But as only one of their last five top-flight campaigns saw them win any of their opening three league games, this is not an unfamiliar situation for them.
The visit of reigning champions Real Madrid could inspire them to break that cycle as they’ve impressively won two of the last four H2Hs here (L2), including a 2-1 success last term in which Raúl de Tomás starred. With him an injury doubt, their chances of a first home league win in five attempts (D2, L2) are reduced, even if they’ve just loaned in ex-Madrid prospect Dani Gómez from Levante.
Following Casemiro’s departure to Manchester United, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said the club still has enough midfielders and it would have been satisfying that both Luka Modrić and Federico Valverde scored when they beat Celta Vigo 4-1 last time out. With two LL wins from two banked, a fine week continued with Ancelotti and Karim Benzema being named UEFA coach and player of the year respectively.
They still haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last seven league away games though (W5, D1, L1) and only did so in one of their last four visits here (W2, L2). Fortunately, Los Blancos have the attacking prowess to overcome those defensive shortcomings, even more so with Rodrygo now fully fit and competing for a starting place.
Players to watch: Edu Expósito’s strike for Espanyol against Celta on matchday one was his fourth goal in five to arrive after the 70th minute, a period in which Benzema netted in both H2Hs last term.
Hot streak: Espanyol haven’t led at half-time of any of their last 11 LL matches (HT: D6, L5).