Saturday in Madrid is set for a big one. Real Madrid and Espanyol go head-to-head at the Santiago Bernabéu in the fifth round of La Liga, a matchup that could shake things up at the top of the table. Xabi Alonso’s team sits alone in first place with four wins from four. They’re full of confidence after grinding out a victory over Real Sociedad away from home while playing with ten men, then following it up midweek with a comeback win in the Champions League against Olympique de Marseille. Espanyol, meanwhile, has also started strong. They’re third with 10 points, unbeaten so far, and eager to show they can bother the heavyweights.
Real Madrid flying high, but the injury list grows
Madrid’s recent form shows a side that knows how to compete and adapt. Winning in San Sebastián with a man down isn’t something you just brush off, it says a lot about the group. The comeback against Marseille only added to the momentum, boosting belief inside the locker room. Still, there’s reason to worry. Trent Alexander-Arnold is sidelined for six to eight weeks with a thigh injury. Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger are still unavailable, and Dean Huijsen is suspended after his red card against Sociedad. That opens the door for Raúl Asencio to step in at the back.
Up front, there’s at least a bit of good news. Endrick has returned to training and should be available. The young Brazilian is still trying to carve out his spot, but even his presence changes the dynamic. In a game of this magnitude, every option in attack counts, especially against an opponent that knows how to close down space. Madrid will go in as favorites, but Alonso has to strike the right balance between his veterans and the younger names to keep this perfect run alive.
Espanyol missing Pere Milla, welcoming back Javi Hernández
Espanyol rides into this one on the back of a thrilling 3-2 win over Mallorca, a result that kept them unbeaten and locked in third place. The setback is the loss of Pere Milla. The forward was sent off after arguing with the referee and now serves a suspension that rules him out not only against Madrid but also in the following match with Valencia. It’s a blow, especially when you’re heading into the Bernabéu needing every piece available.
There is, however, a lift for the squad. Javi Hernández is back. The academy product, who spent last season on loan at Huesca, has recovered from a broken right foot suffered in July and rejoins the roster. He takes the spot left open by Milla’s suspension. Whether he’ll actually get minutes is still uncertain, but just being available again gives the squad a bit of breathing room in what’s sure to be a tough test.