Real Madrid hosts unbeaten Espanyol in La Liga top-table clash

Real Madrid, under new coach Xabi Alonso, have made a perfect start to the 2025-26 La Liga season with four straight wins and a recent Champions League victory against Marseille, showcasing a team growing in confidence and resilience despite some key player absences due to injuries and suspensions. Espanyol, also unbeaten and sitting third in the table, will challenge Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, aiming to capitalize on their strong season start and their recent home win against Madrid. Kylian Mbappe has been a standout for Real Madrid, scoring multiple goals early in the season and continuing his strong form in both La Liga and the Champions League. Alonso is managing squad rotations carefully, emphasizing the importance of keeping all players involved to maintain momentum. Espanyol, recently bought by new owners including American shareholders, has strengthened its squad and is motivated to climb to the top of the standings with a win that could see them overtake Real Madrid. The upcoming match is highly anticipated as a potential decisive clash for La Liga's early season leadership.