Xabi Alonso’s homecoming at Real Madrid has been nothing short of spectacular. The Spanish tactician, who took charge this summer after a stellar stint with Bayer Leverkusen, has enjoyed a perfect start to life at the Santiago Bernabéu. With four wins from four games, Los Blancos look sharp, confident, and already hungry to reclaim La Liga glory.
But on Saturday afternoon (15:15 BST), Madrid welcome Espanyol — another unbeaten side — in what could be Alonso’s sternest test yet. For both managers, this clash offers an opportunity to prove that their respective bright starts are no fluke.
Form Guide
Real Madrid
The transition from Carlo Ancelotti to Alonso has been almost seamless. Madrid haven’t just been winning; they’ve been doing so with a new identity. Alonso has introduced greater fluidity in midfield, a more aggressive pressing style, and has successfully integrated star signing Kylian Mbappé into the attack.
So far, Los Blancos have defeated Osasuna, Real Oviedo, Mallorca, and Real Sociedad, leaving them two points clear of Barcelona at the top of the table. Scoring freely and defending solidly despite injuries, Madrid look well-balanced and in control.
Espanyol
Manolo González’s Espanyol is emerging as one of the surprise packages of the early season. Their campaign started in stunning fashion with a 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid, and they followed it up with a battling 2-2 draw away to Real Sociedad.
Momentum continued with a narrow 1-0 victory against Osasuna before a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Mallorca, secured by Kike García’s late penalty despite playing with 10 men. Sitting third in the table, Los Periquitos arrive in Madrid full of confidence and with nothing to lose.
Head-to-Head History
For Espanyol fans, history at the Bernabéu makes grim reading. Their win in February — a 1-0 victory courtesy of Carlos Romero — was a rare high point, breaking a run of four straight defeats to Madrid.
Still, those moments are rare. In their last 10 meetings, Espanyol have only beaten Madrid twice. Their away record is even worse: no victory at the Bernabéu since 1996, no points in the capital since 2012, and a crushing run of 11 consecutive defeats.
If González’s men are to defy the odds, they’ll need to produce something extraordinary.
Team News
Real Madrid
Alonso’s only concern is at the back. Young summer signing Dean Huijsen is suspended following his red card against Real Sociedad, while veteran defender Antonio Rüdiger remains sidelined with a long-term muscle injury. Endrick and Ferland Mendy are also unavailable, which could force tactical adjustments.
Espanyol
The visitors also face a major setback. Star forward Pere Milla, who has scored three goals in four matches, is suspended. His absence robs Espanyol of their most clinical attacker. Defender Javi Hernández remains out following foot surgery in July, further limiting González’s options.
Key Stats
Kylian Mbappé: 4 goals and 1 assist in 4 La Liga games.
Arda Güler: 2 goals and 1 assist, shining as Madrid’s young spark.
Pere Milla: 3 goals in 4 games, but suspended for this clash.
Espanyol: 11 consecutive defeats at the Bernabéu.
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): The Frenchman has settled instantly, combining devastating pace with lethal finishing. Espanyol’s defenders will need to be flawless to stop him.
Arda Güler (Real Madrid): The 20 year-old is impressed with his creativity and energy. His link-up with Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. could be decisive.
Kike García (Espanyol): With Milla suspended, García shoulders the attacking responsibility. His physical presence and penalty-box instincts make him Espanyol’s biggest threat.
Prediction
Espanyol’s confidence and form cannot be ignored, but history and quality tilt this heavily in Madrid’s favor. With Mbappé firing and Alonso’s tactical vision already shining through, Los Blancos will expect to extend their winning run. Espanyol may fight hard, but their missing talisman Milla and their dreadful record in Madrid could be too much to overcome.
