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RCD Espanyol Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
In La Liga, the mission to defend the title has started very successfully for Real Madrid. After the Madrilenians defeated the promoted Almeria with 2:1 at the start, a high 4:1 away victory at Celta Vigo followed on the last matchday. However, at the beginning of this week, the royals had to say goodbye to success guarantee Casemiro after more than seven years. The 30-year-old Brazilian moved to Manchester United. For years, the six-pointer formed the midfield of the white ballet with Modrić and Kroos. He will be succeeded by newcomer Aurélien Tchouaméni. Coach Carlo Ancelotti will also be challenged in the upcoming Barcelona game at Espanyol.
Espanyol Barcelona failed to win either of their first two games of the season. Last week, the Catalans lost 2-0 to Rayo Vallecano. Coach Diego Martinez’s side will be encouraged by the fact that they managed a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo in their first home game. To see if the reigning champions will drop any potential points in Barcelona, read our Espanyol – Real Madrid tip.
Espanyol – Real Madrid info:
– Date & Time: 28.08.2022, 22:00 Uhr
– Venue: Barcelona, RCDE Stadium
– Competition: La Liga, Matchday 3
– TV broadcast: DAZN
Espanyol Form & Balance Check
Espanyol Barcelona avoided direct relegation last season. The Catalans placed 14th in the final table. It was a solid season for coach Martinez’s team. In the end, only four points separated Espaynol from the first relegation place, but the Catalans were better than Granada, for example, who participated in the Europa League and were relegated. This season has been rather unsatisfactory so far. Espaynol started with a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo, before Barcelona lost 2-0 at Rayo Vallecano last week.
One point down
Compared to the previous season, Espanyol collected one point less after two games. However, Barcelona started the season with two 0-0 games last year. The offensive values this season are therefore 200% higher than in the previous season. This statistic does not give the Catalans hope, however, when the last game is taken into account. Espanyol did not score against Rayo. In addition, Barcelona only scored once. Barcelona also had 55% more possession than their opponents. That these figures are no guarantee of success is clear from the result of 0:2.
Espanyol facts & analysis
– Espanyol are in 15th place in the table with one point.
– Most recently Barcelona lost 0-2 against Rayo Vallecano.
– Espanyol scored twice at home against Celta Vigo.
Real Madrid form & balance check
Winning the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt was a fitting way for Real Madrid to start the new season with a title. The white ballet carried the momentum from the triumph in Helsinki into the start of La Liga. Despite a tough game against promoted Almeria, in which the royals even trailed 1-0, Real won the opening match 2-1. Last week, Carlo Ancelotti’s team followed suit. The Italian saw Real sweep Celta Vigo 4-1 away from home. That means Madrid have won all three of their competitive games this season.
Still not nil
Even though Real Madrid won their first two games in La Liga, the royals did not end them without a blemish. In both games, goalkeeper Courtois had to make one save. Against Eintracht Frankfurt, too, the royals would have had to concede at least one goal if the Europa League winners had not failed on their own merits. Madrid’s defence is definitely not yet solid. Last season, Real finished the season in Spain with only 31 goals conceded. If that figure is to be achieved again, Madrid will have to defend better.
Real Madrid facts & analysis
– Real Madrid are in 2nd place in the table with 6 points.
– Only Villarreal, Betis and Real have won their first 2 games.
– The Royals scored 6 goals in 2 games, the most in La Liga.
Predicted line-up – last update on 26 August 2022
From the approach, Espaynol are playing attacking football. The Catalans attack in a 4-3-3 formation. Most recently, the two 21-year-old wingers Sanchez Saez and Ribaudo formed the attack together with the veteran Joselu, who is still known from his time with Hoffenheim, Hannover and Stuttgart in Germany. However, the trio failed to score against Rayo Vallecano. Centre-back Gomez also saw the red card. Gomez will be replaced by Calero against Madrid.
For the first time in seven years, Real Madrid will no longer be able to call on the services of Casemiro at six. His role will now be filled by Tchouaméni or Camavinga. Coach Ancelotti announced that he does not want to fill this position with another new signing after the departure of the Brazilian. Otherwise, Real will play in their usual 4-3-3 system. Benzema scored his first goal of the season in the recent win at Vigo.
Espanyol – Real Madrid Direct comparison & Statistics
On Sunday, the 175th duel between Espanyol and Real is on the agenda. So far, Madrid have won more games against Barcelona. Real won 105 times against Espanyol. Barcelona won only 36 times. They drew 33 times. The last time the two teams separated was 4:0 for Real.
– The last duel in Barcelona was won by Espanyol with 2:1.
– When this duel took place in Barcelona, it did not end in a draw eight times in a row.
– Real have won six of their last eight away games at Espanyol.
– Madrid last won in Barcelona on 28 June 2020.
