Espanyol - Real Madrid. Match preview, likely lineups and fantasy tips. Matchday 2 of LaLiga.

We show the likely lineups and statistical data of interest for your preferred fantasy game.

We also take a bit of a gamble and provide you with a captain, a striker, a wall and a risk for each of the teams.

Espanyol - Real Madrid

Match date: 22/08-21:30

RCD Espanyol

The Espanyol arrive revitalized after clearing up all their preseason doubts with a big win of 3-0 against Levante UD, with goals from a brace by Roberto Fernández, who was fired up, and the ever-electric Dolan.

The bets on the young players from La21 and the absence of Leandro Cabrer due to a disciplinary sanction point to Manolo González starting.

We will see whether Manolo brings some physicality to the midfield with the inclusion of Rafa Bauz or Pol Lozano, or whether he continues to trust in the electricity of Javi Hernández.

Also out with long-term injury Kike García and Javi Puado.

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Real Madrid C.F.

Real Madrid travel to RCD Espanyol for their first La Liga match of 2026/27. It will be a tough game in which Mourinho's men will have to prove that they are already a solid team, despite so many new faces. 

As for the first starting XI of the season, there are still many doubts in multiple positions. 

After what we saw in the preseason matches, we believe the main doubts would be between Dumfries and Trent, Rüdiger and Konaté, Cucurella and Carreras, Güler and Bellingham, and Brahim and Diomande. 

Until all players are 100% match-fit, we won't be able to know the typical XI Mourinho will turn to in most of the matchups. 

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