Carlos Torregrosa
Espanyol, who have complicated their LaLiga EA Sports survival with a disastrous second half of the season, host Real Madrid, a team with only pride and image at stake.
Espanyol have found themselves in serious trouble, something few could have predicted. The Pericos finished the first half of the season in fifth place, a position that could even earn a Champions League spot. They picked up 34 points from 57 possible, five clear of sixth-placed Betis. However, in the second half, Manolo González’s side has collapsed. Since beating Athletic in the last game of 2025, matchday 17, the blue-and-whites have collected only six points, with six draws, 10 defeats, and no victories in 16 matches. Their reality is now far removed from December’s. With 39 points, they are five points above the relegation zone, which they are approaching week by week.
As for Real Madrid, the season ended in Munich. Their Champions League quarterfinal elimination meant the end of any realistic title chances. It has been a poor year for a team that changed coaches but failed to take off under Xabi Alonso or Álvaro Arbeloa. Los Blancos want to finish the campaign with the best possible image after winning just one of their last four matches. They beat Alavés, drew with Girona and Betis, and lost to Mallorca. That leaves them on 74 points, 11 behind Barcelona, who could be crowned champions this weekend. Whether they are or not, the Clásico will carry plenty of intrigue, with a possible guard of honor or title celebration.
**Espanyol vs Real Madrid – Predictions (9:00 PM Spanish time)**
– Real Madrid win: @1.72 (bet365)
– Vinicius scores or assists at any time: @1.72 (bet365)
– Fede Valverde has one or more shots on target: @1.83 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365 and Wplay. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
**A Freefalling Espanyol**
That Real Madrid are favorites in a LaLiga EA Sports match is no surprise. That they are favorites while having nothing concrete to play for is less common, but still logical. Especially when facing a rival in such poor form as Espanyol. The Pericos have a major objective to fight for, but that advantage is undermined by the statistics already reviewed. Therefore, despite the home side’s desperation, we predict a white victory at Cornellà.
It is true that Madrid lost their last visit to Espanyol, who won 1-0 in matchday 22 last season. But it is equally true that in the last 30 meetings between these two sides, the Catalans have won only three times. They also won as hosts in 2018 and 2021. The rest: two draws (2012 and 2013) and 25 Madrid victories. Furthermore, over the last 12 years, the Santiago Bernabéu outfit have taken all three points in 20 of the 23 matches played.
**Prediction: Real Madrid win @1.72 (bet365)**
Explanation: If Real Madrid collect the three points at Espanyol’s stadium, you win this bet.
**Vinicius on the Rise**
Vinicius has returned to form on the pitch. Now he must grow even more given the absence of Kylian Mbappé. The Brazilian becomes the focal point of the white attack for this match, where he must make the difference to end the season on a high.
