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RCD Espanyol Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
After the numerous international competitions that took place during the week, it is now back to the daily league routine for the teams of the European top leagues. So it is also the next matchday in the Spanish La Liga. Our Espanyol – Real Madrid betting tips will tell you everything you need to know about this match.
The main difference between these two teams is that Real and Espanyol are at different ends of the table and that the Madrilenians have more games under their belt than the Catalans. Espanyol have made a somewhat below-average start to this season. In the first five matches, Espanyol had three draws and two defeats. Only on matchday number six they got their first win of the season against Alaves. In the last encounter against Sevilla, however, there was another 0:2 defeat.
In contrast, Real Madrid are in absolute top form. The Madrilenians are at the top of the league after seven games. So far they are unbeaten with five wins and two draws. In addition, the offensive is working better than in Cristiano’s time. With 21 goals after seven games, they are the absolute league leaders. The only thing that doesn’t work perfectly yet is the defence around new signing David Alaba.
Espanyol – Real Madrid Infos
– Date & Time: 03/10/2021, at 16:15.
– Venue: Barcelona, RCDE Stadium
– Competition: La Liga, Matchday 8
– TV broadcast: DAZN
Espanyol Form & Balance Check
The Catalans have underachieved so far. After the first two opening games ended in draws, the first two defeats of the season followed against RCD Mallorca and the reigning champions Atletico Madrid. Both games, however, were lost by the narrowest of margins. The third draw came against Real Betis on the fifth matchday. Then, finally, the time had come. The first victory of the season came in the duel with Deportivo Alaves. However, the next defeat against Sevilla FC followed directly on the last matchday. The one thing that has not worked at all for Espanyol this season is the offensive. In seven games, only four meagre goals have been scored. However, the Catalans have conceded fewer goals than Real Madrid. That gives us reason to hope that Espanyol will take something tangible against the top of the table.
Top at the back, flop at the front
Espanyol Barcelona are not known for goal spectacles this season. Offensively, the knot has not yet been broken. With four goals after seven games, the Catalans offer the third weakest offence in the league. However, they also have a very stable defence. For example, they have conceded fewer goals than leaders Real Madrid. They have the seventh-best defence in the league. They showed against Atletico Madrid that they can also perform against the big three. In the duel with the reigning champions, the Catalans held on to their 1-0 lead for a long time. The Madrilenians gnawed their teeth on the stable defence. However, shortly before the end, Diego Simeone’s men struck a bitter double blow. However, it showed that you can also keep renowned offensive lines in check.
Espanyol facts & analysis
– Rather below-average season
– Third weakest offence in the league
– Defensive ranks 7th in the league
– Showed what they are made of against Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid form & balance check
The Madrilenians are currently in absolute top form. After seven games played, they are still unbeaten with five wins and two draws. In addition, they are the absolute league leaders in attack. With 21 goals after seven games, they make every defence tremble. Karim Benzema alone has scored more goals this season (8) than eleven La Liga teams. It is not only in terms of goals that the Frenchman is absolutely world class. In summary, Karim Benzema has an incredible 8 goals and 7 assists in the first seven games of this season. Super talent Vinicius Junior has also improved worlds over the summer. The young Brazilian has five more goals so far than he had in the whole of last season. Another positive for the Royals is that long-term injury victim Toni Kroos made his comeback in the surprising and embarrassing Champions League defeat to Sheriff Tiraspol.
Who is Lewandowski?
This is in no way to diminish Lewandowski’s performance or belittle him. The Pole has done incredible things in recent seasons. However, Karim Benzema is giving him a run for his money so far this season. While Lewandowski’s numbers are impressive again, Benzema trumps him in every way. Lewa has seven goals in six games so far. However, his assist account is empty so far. The Frenchman, by comparison, has eight goals and an additional seven assists in seven games. This means that the Madrilenian has almost twice as many goals as the Munich player. Thus, when looking at Benzema this season, the question is allowed: Who is Lewandowski?
Real Madrid facts & analysis
– Real currently in absolute top form
– League leaders in attack
– Benzema in incredible form
– Youngsters are blossoming
– Injured players return
Predicted line-up – last update on 1 October 2021
Espanyol Barcelona will line up in their usual 4-1-4-1. This gives them a lot of people behind the ball and allows them to be compact defensively. For Real Madrid, we think young Gutierrez will get his chance at left-back again, which will move Valverde into midfield. For Toni Kroos, a starting eleven comeback is still too early.
Espanyol – Real Madrid direct comparison & Statistics
The direct comparison is clearly in favour of the royals. In a total of 172 meetings, Real have won 104 matches. On the other hand, Espanyol have won 35 and drawn 33. In the last 25 duels Espanyol could only win one. In addition, the Catalans have scored in only two of the last twelve games. Thus, Espanyol is the opposite of a fearful opponent of the Madrilenians.
– Balance clearly in Madrid’s favour
– In the last 25 duels only 1 win for Espanyol
– In the last 12 duels Espanyol only managed to score in 2 games
– Espanyol’s last win was in 2018
– Espanyol have only won one of their last 12 home matches against Real
