Espanyol vs Real Madrid preview

Spain flag 2026/2027 La Liga, Spain
RCDE Stadium
La Liga
EspanyolESY
1 2
Real MadridRMA
Full Time
Round 2 Regular Season
Goal
|
Goal
Carlos Espí - 90'

CONTEXT

Espanyol hosted Real Madrid in a match that concluded with a 1-2 scoreline after both teams were level at 1-1 during the halftime interval. Real Madrid controlled possession with 63 percent compared to Espanyol's 37 percent while generating a superior 2.37 expected goals against the hosts' 0.93. The away side secured the victory in line with their status as the stronger team and the outcome aligned with the xG differential of 1.44 in their favor. No red cards were issued throughout the contest leaving the result free from such influences. The significant deviation recorded by Real Madrid reached 100 percent yet the final result remained consistent with underlying performance metrics. Espanyol managed an early response to stay competitive but could not overcome the visitors' efficiency in the second period.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Real Madrid recorded a significant structural deviation of 100 percent.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with pre-match projections.
  • xG alignment: Outcome aligned with xG as Real Madrid converted 2.37 expected goals into victory.
  • Market alignment: Result proved market aligned with the stronger team prevailing.
  • xG expectations: xG expectations showed a 1.44 differential favoring Real Madrid.
  • Event impact: Halftime score of 1-1 set the stage for Real Madrid's second-half winner.
  • Red card distortion: No red card distortion occurred with zero dismissals for either side.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
J. Sánchez Martínez
J. Sánchez Martínez
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
R. Cabañero Martínez
R. Cabañero Martínez
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
J. López Mir
J. López Mir
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
P. Monterrubio Torres
P. Monterrubio Torres
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Espanyol J. González Álvarez
J. González Álvarez
VS
Real Madrid José Mourinho
José Mourinho
1
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
2
1.67 i
Last 6 Opponents
Levante Rank: 78 W
Real Sociedad Rank: 80 D
Osasuna Rank: 78 W
Athletic Club Rank: 77 W
Sevilla Rank: 78 L
Real Madrid Rank: 94 L
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
2.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Athletic Club Rank: 77 W
Sevilla Rank: 78 W
Real Oviedo Rank: 70 W
FC Barcelona Rank: 96 L
Espanyol Rank: 77 W
Real Betis Rank: 85 D
1
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1 - 0 - 3
3

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
77.22
93.83
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Espanyol
Real Madrid
Power Score
77.22
93.83
League Position
3
5
Global Rank
102
5

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Espanyol — Opponent-weighted form score
Real Madrid — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Espanyol Real Madrid

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Espanyol

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Real Madrid

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Espanyol ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Real Madrid
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
26.49
38.57
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
38.57
26.49
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Espanyol -1.21 Efficiency Index
vs
Real Madrid +1.21 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Espanyol
Real Madrid
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Espanyol
vs
Real Madrid
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Espanyol Real Madrid
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
0%
33%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
+0.00 vs -0.78
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Espanyol Real Madrid
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
33%
0%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.78 vs +0.00
Espanyol
Real Madrid
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Espanyol
vs
Real Madrid
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Espanyol Real Madrid
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Espanyol 0.22
Real Madrid 0.32
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Espanyol Real Madrid
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Espanyol 0.03
Real Madrid 0.03
Espanyol
Real Madrid
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • RMA had peak pressure around 63'.
  • RMA started the game with stronger pressure.
ESY Pressure RMA Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: RMA reached the top pressure at 63' (83.80).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Espanyol ESY Home
4 matches
Real Madrid RMA Away
Match Record
1
Wins
3
0
Draws
0
3
Losses
1
Goals
2
Goals Scored
8
8
Goals Conceded
2
-6
Goal Difference
+6
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-23T00:53:58+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026/2027 La Liga, Spain · Round 2 · Regular Season
Stadium
RCDE Stadium
Capacity
40000
Attendance
33304
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
José María Sánchez Martínez
Raúl Cabañero Martínez
Juan José López Mir
Pablo Monterrubio Torres

Statistics

Possession
ESY
37%
RMA
63%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 2
2 Big Chances Created 3
4 Shots 7
36 Dangerous attacks 66
37 Possession 63
0 Corners 8
7 Free kicks 19
5 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

10 Goal Kicks 6
5 Substitutions 5
20 Throwins 20
0 Hit Woodwork 2
6 Successful Headers 11
1 Assists 1
13 Dribble Attempts 29
5 Successful Dribbles 15
38 Successful Dribbles Percentage 52

Attacking

68 Attacks 112
1 Big Chances Missed 2

Possession

38 Long Passes 41
326 Passes 552
271 Successful Passes 509
83 Successful Passes Percentage 92
4 Key Passes 17
11 Successful Long Passes 27
29 Successful Long Passes Percentage 66

Defensive

6 Saves 2
20 Tackles 20
4 Interceptions 5
37 Duels Won 64

Build-up

11 Total Crosses 20
1 Accurate Crosses 7

Discipline

3 Offsides 0
19 Fouls 7

Lineup

Referee : José María Sánchez Martínez

Starting XI ▼

13
Marko Dmitrovic
Marko Dmitrovic Goalkeeper
7.21
5
Clemens Riedel
Clemens Riedel Defender
6.3
16
Vanja Drkusic
Vanja Drkusic
Defender66'
6.46
14
Unai Núñez
Unai Núñez Defender
6.79
21
Roger Hinojo
Roger Hinojo Defender
6.02
23
Omar El Hilali
Omar El Hilali Defender
6.12
4
Urko González de Zárate
Urko González de Zárate Midfielder
6.31
10
Pol Lozano
Pol Lozano
Midfielder75'
6.4
8
Edu Expósito
Edu Expósito (C) Midfielder
6.97
17
Jofre Carreras
Jofre Carreras
Attacker88'
22
Álex Calatrava
Álex Calatrava Midfielder
7.34
26
Rafel Bauzà
Rafel Bauzà
Midfielder66'
6.45
24
Tyrhys Dolan
Tyrhys Dolan Midfielder
5.73
9
Roberto Fernández
Roberto Fernández Attacker
6.86
28
Javi Hernández
Javi Hernández Attacker
6.95
11
Pere Milla
Pere Milla
Midfielder75'
6.18
Referee : José María Sánchez Martínez

Starting XI ▼

1
Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois Goalkeeper
6.6
4
Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen Defender
6.77
16
Ibrahima Konaté
Ibrahima Konaté Defender
7.27
18
Álvaro Carreras
Álvaro Carreras Defender
7.04
17
Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella
Defender64'
6.85
24
Denzel Dumfries
Denzel Dumfries Defender
7.07
12
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Defender80'
6.63
5
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham Midfielder
7.85
19
Carlos Espí
Carlos Espí
Attacker80'
7.46
7
Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior Midfielder
6.84
8
Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde (C) Midfielder
7.46
15
Arda Güler
Arda Güler Midfielder
8.16
25
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande
Attacker64'
6.61
20
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva Midfielder
6.55
6
Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga
Midfielder80'
6.6
10
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé Attacker
7.61

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Pol Lozano
Argument / 6th Yellowcard
90+4'
Event
Pere Milla
Argument / 5th Yellowcard
90+1'
90'
Event
Carlos Espí
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
Event
Jofre Carreras → Edu Expósito
10th Substitution
88'
Event
Edu Expósito
Argument / 4th Yellowcard
84'
80'
Event
Trent Alexander-Arnold → Denzel Dumfries
7th Substitution
80'
Event
Eduardo Camavinga → Bernardo Silva
8th Substitution
80'
Event
Carlos Espí → Jude Bellingham
9th Substitution
Event
Pol Lozano → Urko González de Zárate
5th Substitution
75'
Event
Pere Milla → Javi Hernández
6th Substitution
75'
Event
Rafel Bauzà → Álex Calatrava
3rd Substitution
66'
Event
Vanja Drkusic → Clemens Riedel
4th Substitution
66'
64'
Event
Marc Cucurella → Álvaro Carreras
1st Substitution
64'
Event
Yan Diomande → Arda Güler
2nd Substitution
Event
Clemens Riedel
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
59'
1ST-HALF
Event
Álex Calatrava
Argument / 1st Yellowcard
32'
32'
Event
Vinicius Junior
Argument / 2nd Yellowcard
Event
Álex Calatrava
Left foot shot / 2nd Goal
30'
9'
Event
Jude Bellingham
Header / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Pol Lozano receives a yellow card.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Pere Milla Pena.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Pol Lozano receives a yellow card.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Pol Lozano receives a yellow card.
88
Update Update
Match ends with a score of 1-2.
84
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued to Pere Milla Pena.
83
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Pol Lozano receives a yellow card.
82
Update Update
Match ends with a score of 1-2.
80
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Pere Milla Pena.
80
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Carlos Espi scores, making it 1-2.
80
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot on goal! Carlos Espi takes a right-footed shot.
78
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Pol Lozano receives a yellow card.
78
Update Update
Match ends with a score of 1-2.
77
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card for Pere Milla Pena.
75
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot by Carlos Espi with his right foot results in a goal.
75
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Carlos Espi takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
74
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Carlos Espi takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
73
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Carlos Espi scores, making it 1-2.
70
Update Update
Jofre Carreras Pages is on, and Eduardo Exposito is off.
70
Update Update
Offside.
67
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
66
Attempt Attempt
Denzel Dumfries takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
66
Attempt Attempt
Vinícius Júnior takes a left-footed shot but misses.
64
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
64
Attempt Attempt
Denzel Dumfries takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
60
Attempt Attempt
Vinícius Júnior takes a left-footed shot but misses.
59
Update Update
Yan Diomande replaces Arda Guler.
59
Update Update
Marc Cucurella comes on for Alvaro Fernandez Carreras.
58
Attempt Attempt
Kylian Mbappe takes a right-footed shot but misses.
58
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Clemens Riedel receives a yellow card.
53
Attempt Attempt
Ibrahima Konate takes a shot with his head, but it's saved.
53
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
53
Attempt Attempt
Dean Huijsen takes a shot with his head, but it is blocked.
53
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
49
Attempt Attempt
Kylian Mbappe attempts a header but misses the shot.
48
Attempt Attempt
Jude Bellingham's header is saved.
45
Attempt Attempt
Alex Calatrava takes a right-footed shot but misses.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
45
Attempt Attempt
Alex Calatrava takes a right-footed shot but misses.
44
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
43
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
42
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
38
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
33
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
33
Attempt Attempt
Kylian Mbappe takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
32
Attempt Attempt
Kylian Mbappe takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
32
Attempt Attempt
Kylian Mbappe takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
30
Attempt Attempt
Kylian Mbappe's right-footed shot is saved.
30
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Yellow card shown to Alex Calatrava.
26
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Vinícius Júnior receives a yellow card.
26
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot! Alex Calatrava scores with a left-footed shot.
26
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Alex Calatrava scores to make it 1-1, assisted by Javier Hernandez.
26
Attempt Attempt
Roberto Fernandez Jaen takes a right-footed shot but misses.
20
Attempt Attempt
Alex Calatrava takes a left-footed shot but misses.
15
Attempt Attempt
Alex Calatrava takes a left-footed shot but misses.
9
Attempt Attempt
Denzel Dumfries takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
9
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 0-1.
7
Update Update
Offside.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez.

CONCLUSION

Real Madrid claimed a 1-2 away win at Espanyol after a balanced first half ended 1-1. Their dominance in possession and expected goals translated directly into the three points with no external factors like red cards altering the flow. Espanyol competed effectively early on but faded against sustained pressure from the visitors. The match highlighted clear differences in squad depth and finishing quality as the away side maintained control throughout the second half. Overall the result reflected the expected hierarchy between the two sides without any major surprises in the underlying numbers. This performance reinforces Real Madrid's consistency on the road while Espanyol will look to address their second-half vulnerabilities in upcoming fixtures.